Crystal Palace starlet admits dilemma over international future

Wilfried Zaha in action for England Under-21s. Photo: Stephen Pond/EMPICS Sport

Tuesday, November 13, 2012
7:59 AM

England new boy Wilfried Zaha admits he is undecided as to whether he will represent his adopted country in the long-term.

The 20-year-old Crystal Palace winger has been included in Roy Hodgson’s squad to face Sweden tomorrow and is expected to make his senior debut, having previously featured at under-21 level.

But as the match is only a friendly Zaha, who was born in the Ivory Coast but moved to England with his family aged four, would still be free to switch his allegiance to the country of his birth.

He has already had a telephone call from Elephants legend Didier Drogba urging him to do just that, but remains in two minds.

“I was born in the Ivory Coast but all I know is England,” Zaha told national newspapers. “It’s 50-50 at the moment.

“Didier Drogba called me and I was shocked, to be honest. He’s a humble guy. I’ve been with England Under-21s and now I will have to make a decision.”