The Black Stars might see a new right-back joining their ranks ahead of the tournament.
Tariq Lamptey is considering switching his international allegiance to Ghana, confirms England U21 boss Lee Carsley.
Lamptey has developed into one of the most promising Premier League right-backs since joining Brighton from Chelsea’s academy in January 2020.
The Seagulls star struggled for fitness for most of the 2021-22 campaign, making 32 appearances for Brighton across all competitions.
England manager Gareth Southgate is yet to hand Lamptey his maiden senior call-up. Following a reported approach from Ghana’s national team, the 21-year-old is now considering playing for the Black Stars.
Speaking after announcing his England U21 squad, Carsley confirmed Lamptey has asked to be left out of the team.
“There’s an issue over his dual nationality,” the manager said. “He’s had an approach. It’s something he’s considering at the minute.
“He’s asked to be left out of the squad for a bit of head space. He’s not switched, it’s not cemented or anything like that. But he’s had an approach. We have to respect that.
“We’ve made it clear how important we see him to us. I know the seniors have as well. It’s not something that we’ve given up on. Tariq is fully aware of how important we see him.
“To be fair, I have rang him every day. I probably shouldn’t have, I probably pushed him. You can only make it clear so many times.
“I wouldn’t say we’ve done as much as we can, but he knows where we stand with him. I think we have to respect now that he’s got a decision to make. Not only with himself, but with his family.”
Lamptey is not the only Premier League star close to switching international allegiance to Ghana. Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah is another young player who will most likely join the Black Stars for the World Cup.
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