Crystal Palace's midfield dynamo is at a career crossroads that could see him turn his back on England for good. The talented Premier League star, who earned just one cap for the Three Lions under Gareth Southgate, is now seriously considering a dramatic international switch.
The Solitary Cap That Changed Everything
Despite establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent performers, the Palace midfielder has found himself frozen out of the England setup since his lone appearance. That single cap, awarded during Southgate's tenure, now hangs over his international future like a shadow.
The situation has reached a critical juncture, with sources close to the player revealing he's actively contemplating representing the Democratic Republic of Congo at next year's Africa Cup of Nations.
AFCON Calling: The Temptation of Tournament Football
With England's midfield overflowing with talent including Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Conor Gallagher, the path to regular international football appears blocked. Meanwhile, DR Congo offers not just playing time, but the opportunity to star in one of international football's most prestigious tournaments.
"The pull of representing his heritage while playing regular competitive football is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore," an insider revealed. "AFCON represents the kind of showcase that every player dreams of."
What This Means for Southgate and England
While England boast incredible depth in midfield, losing a player of such calibre to another nation would represent a significant blow. The potential switch raises questions about how England manages its talented pool of players with dual nationality.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the Crystal Palace star weighs his options. With AFCON qualification ongoing and the tournament proper approaching, football fans could witness one of the most dramatic international allegiance changes in recent memory.
