Carney Chukwuemeka (bottom right) celebrates winning the U19 Euros with EnglandAn "outstanding" midfielder has defected from England to represent a rival nation at this summer's World Cup instead. England, who reached the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, have been drawn in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTOne player who certainly won't be in the England squad is Carney Chukwuemeka. Instead, he will represent Austria at the World Cup if he gets the call-up. Whilst he could also have represented Nigeria via his parents, the Super Eagles failed to qualify for this World Cup.

Source: Express March 10, 2026 11:54 UTC