Hodgson Urges Wan-Bissaka To Snub DR Congo For England Chance

Wan-Bissaka has featured for both England and the Democratic Republic of Congo at youth level but is yet to earn an international cap for either country on the senior stage.

The 23-year-old was called up for Three Lions duty by Gareth Southgate in August last year but withdrew from the squad because of injury.

Reports have emerged that Wan-Bissaka is considering committing his international future to the DRC, with the likes of Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James all ahead of him in the pecking order for England.

But Hodgson, who gave Wan-Bissaka his Crystal Palace debut before selling him to Manchester United, has warned him against the move and waited patiently for his England chance.

“I read that he’s debating whether his future should be with England or DR Congo,” Hodgson said.

“That will be interesting to see what he decides in that area.

“I believe he is still young and has a big international future in front of him. As an Englishman, I would rather hope England would benefit from it.”

“I would like to see him [Wan-Bissaka] hold on. I would like to see him wait a bit longer.

“At the moment there’s big competition at right-back and he might not get into the team. Wilf was another good example. It’s always disappointing for me to see how England did miss out on using Wilf Zaha.

“I’m hoping Aaron will be patient and not dive straight in to play for an African nation. Like a lot of players, there’s a background with DR Congo but it’s not a country he’s actually lived in.

“England is the country he’s lived in, grown up in and played all his football in so it would be nice if he can dedicate his skills to England. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

“At the same time I’m not trying to put pressure on him or Gareth Southgate in any way whatsoever. It will be what it will be.”