Ex-England youth star makes World Cup squad after late switch in international allegiance

Former England youth international Carney Chukwuemeka is going to the 2026 World Cup this summer, representing Austria.

Chukwuemeka, who played for the Three Lions from the under-17s through to the under-21s, switched allegiances in March.

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The 22-year-old made the late move to try and secure a spot at the World Cup, having never made a senior appearance for England.

And FIFA officially confirmed the change in nationality just two months ago and three months before the tournament.

It allowed the Borussia Dortmund midfielder to make his senior debut for Austria on March 27 against Ghana, coming off the bench for his first appearance.

He only played 29 minutes, but he managed to score on his debut, making his mark instantly for his new country.

Chukwuemeka then went on to play again on March 31, appearing for 12 minutes as a substitute against South Korea.

And the ex-Chelsea and Aston Villa attacking midfielder must have made an impression on manager Ralf Rangnick in those two cameos, as the former Manchester United boss has called him up.

He will now be playing for Austria in the USA, Mexico and Canada as they feature in their first World Cup since 1998.

A clash with Lionel Messi awaits too, with Rangnick’s side drawn into Group J alongside Argentina, Algeria and Jordan.

First up for them is Jordan on June 17, with the meeting against the 2022 champions on June 22 their second match.

Algeria are then going to be their final group opponents on June 28.

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Chukwuemeka’s standout season

Chukwuemeka’s international switch to Austria from England came during his first season with Dortmund.

He signed for the German giants last summer in a deal worth £24million after an initial loan from Chelsea the season prior.

In 28 Bundesliga appearances in his first full campaign, he played over 900 minutes, which is the most of his senior career so far.

Chukwuemeka has scored twice in the league and once in the Champions League, playing eight times in Europe.

He also has two assists to his name in UEFA’s top competition.

In total, he played 38 times for Dortmund this term and now he’ll be hoping to build on his impressive campaign with Austria.

Who else is in the Austria squad?

Joining Chukwuemeka in the Austrian squad for the World Cup is former Premier League star Marko Arnautovic.

The 37-year-old is his nation’s all-time appearance maker with 132 and will be featuring again for them this summer.

David Alaba has also been called up despite his injury issues, while ex-Man United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer will play.

Tottenham’s Kevin Danso will be at the World Cup too, along with Bayern Munich‘s Konrad Laimer.

On his squad selection, manager Rangnick said: “Ultimately, we decided ‌based ⁠on what we already knew and what’s needed for a tournament like this, which lasts a long time. We want to go as far as possible at the World Cup.

“We tried to invite the best players, but also those who are the ​right fit for our ​style of play.”