Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun’s decision to switch international allegiance from England to the United States has been approved by Fifa.<\/span><\/p>\n Balogun has previously played for England Under-21s but withdrew from the squad in March because of injury.<\/span><\/p>\n He will not play in the upcoming European Under-21 Championship.<\/span><\/p>\n A Fifa spokesperson told BBC Sport: “The change of association of the player Folarin Jolaoluwa Balogun from England to the USA has been approved.”<\/span><\/p>\n Balogun has scored 19 Ligue 1 goals in 34 appearances for Reims this season.<\/span><\/p>\n Speaking to US Soccer’s official website, Balogun said the decision was a “no-brainer” and he feels at “home”.<\/span><\/p>\n Balogun said: “When I broke the news to my family they were all just over the moon, especially my mom. She said, ‘What took you so long?’<\/span><\/p>\n “To represent the United States means a lot, more than people would know. I’m very proud and honoured to have this opportunity, and I want to give everything I have to make our team successful.”<\/span><\/p>\n He has previously said he would be open to representing Nigeria but has decided to become available for the United States – a choice he was eligible to make having not won a senior England cap.<\/span><\/p>\n
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