Former Man United star switches allegiance from England to DR Congo after starring for Three Lions at youth to U21 level
AXEL TUANZEBE has ditched England and pledged his international allegiance to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The former Manchester United defender represented the Three Lions at Under-19, 20 and 21 levels but never received a call-up to the senior squad.
And the Ipswich Town centre-back has now opted to play his international football for the country of his birth.
Tuanzebe revealed his switching of allegiance by posing for a snap with DRC manager Sebastien Desabre, whom he held a Leopards shirt with.
Footie fans were quick to react to the news, with one saying: “Interesting move by Axel Tuanzebe.”
Another said: “Very good move for him.”
And another said: “Good for him.”
One remarked: “He has great self-awareness, no chance of making it into the England team.”
Another chimed in: “England didn’t need him so why wait? He is getting old so he needed this.
“Congratulations to him and the good people of DR Congo.”
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Tuanzebe, 26, could soon be joined by a familiar face in the Congo team.
The defender’s former Red Devils team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also eligible to play for The Leopards.
Like Tuanzebe, the United star has represented England at youth levels but has yet to play for the first team – despite multiple call-ups to Gareth Southgate‘s squad.
In 2020, Wan-Bissaka teased a switch to the Congo by removing the England flag from his Instagram bio and replacing it with the DRC’s one.
He’s since removed it in an apparent clearout of his account, which currently only features one post.
Wan-Bissaka has remained tight-lipped on his international future in recent years, although he did reveal his ambitions to play for England back in 2019.
He told The South London Press: “It is about focusing on the Euros and aiming to win it, then after that it is about focusing on the next season.
“But a holiday is always needed, to put your feet up, to rest.
“Then I can come back next season fitter and stronger. My aim is England.”