Carney Chukwuemeka Switches Allegiance To Austria From England

Add as a preferred source on Google

Borussia Dortmund forward Carney Chukwuemeka has changed senior international allegiance from England to Austria. FIFA has approved the switch, allowing the 23-year-old to represent Austria, the country of birth. Chukwuemeka had been eligible for both nations and now joins a squad preparing for a major global tournament this summer.

Austria has reached the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998 and will meet Algeria, Jordan, and defending champions Argentina in the group stage. Chukwuemeka could feature in friendly matches against Ghana and South Korea later this month as Austria tests options before the tournament.

Before the change, Chukwuemeka played for England from Under-17 to Under-20 level, appearing 23 times. The former Chelsea player was part of the England squad that won the Under-19 European Championship in 2022. Chukwuemeka finished as England’s top scorer at that tournament, registering three goals during the successful campaign.

Chukwuemeka is not the only player to commit to Austria recently, as PSV midfielder Paul Wanner has also switched. Wanner previously represented Germany at youth level. The Austrian federation highlighted the achievement of qualifying after a long absence with the message:

Chukwuemeka’s decision strengthens Austria’s options ahead of Algeria, Jordan, and Argentina, with the forward offering recent Bundesliga experience. The dual switches by Chukwuemeka and Wanner underline Austria’s use of eligible players developed in other systems, as the national team prepares for its first World Cup campaign in 28 years.