Celtic’s Dembele Yet To Make Decision Over Switching International Allegiance To Ivory Coast

England striker Karamoko Dembele has not made his decision on his international future despite reports claiming he has chosen to switch allegiance to Ivory Coast.

The 19-year-old has played for Scotland’s Under-16s and U17s, and last featured for England U18s in March 2021.

Dembele was born in Lambeth, South England before moving to Glasgow at the age of one, but both his parents were born in the Ivory Coast which explains his eligibility conundrum.

Ivory Coast coach Patrice Beaumelle had eyed Dembele to be a key player in the upcoming international friendlies against France and England.

Beaumelle only named three new players as he kept faith on most of the players that took part in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

France-based goalkeeper Mohamed Kone, Ismael Diallo of Ajjacio and Paul Akouokou received their first call-up to the Elephants squad after some good showing for their respective clubs.

Serge Aurier of Spanish side Villarreal, Eric Bailly of Manchester United, AC Milan’s Franck Kessié, Arsenal star Nicolas Pépé and Sébastien Haller of Ajax Amsterdam are some of the regulars included in the 27-man squad.

However, there was no place in the squad for the in-form Lens midfielder Seko Fofana as well as Wilfried Kanon, Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro, Yohan Boli and Amad Diallo.

Ivory Coast will play France in Marseille on 25 March before taking on England at Wembley four days later.