Premier League star finally accepts international call-up after years of England snubs

West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has accepted his maiden call-up to represent DR Congo after years of England overlooking him. The 27-year-old featured for both nations at youth level, though he accumulated significantly more appearances for England.

Wan-Bissaka was regularly mooted to earn his Three Lions bow during Gareth Southgate's reign. He garnered widespread praise following his £50million switch to Manchester United in 2019, with many dubbing him the Premier League's finest full-back in pure defensive terms.

However, Southgate was spoilt for choice in the right-back department, with Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier and Reece James all vying for selection.

"It's an area of the pitch where we are blessed," the then-England boss explained in November 2020. "Aaron is a very good defender, one against one he's probably as good as I have seen, but I have to look at the balance of the team and currently there are players ahead of him."

Born in Croydon to Congolese parents, speculation persisted that Wan-Bissaka might eventually choose to play for DR Congo. Yet in 2019, the former Crystal Palace star indicated he had no desire to represent the African country.

"The aim is England," Wan-Bissaka told the Evening Standard. "I am happy playing with England and representing England, so that is what I am going to continue doing.

"My aim is just to keep playing and improving. By improving hopefully that does not go unnoticed and that will get me the chance, the same as it did with the team (then Palace) now."

Six years on, Wan-Bissaka has shifted his position. The Hammers right-back recently gained eligibility to represent DR Congo and, on Wednesday, West Ham confirmed that he'd accepted his maiden call-up.

Wan-Bissaka has now joined Sebastien Desabre's squad ahead of two World Cup qualifiers. DR Congo face South Sudan on Friday before hosting Senegal in the capital city of Kinshasa next Tuesday.

Should Wan-Bissaka earn his debut for DR Congo and secure his eligibility, he'll become one of several English-born players to represent other nations.

Scott McTominay is a regular for Scotland, Matty Cash features in Poland's squad, Antonee Robinson turns out for the United States and Matt O'Riley represents Denmark.

DR Congo currently lead their group, having completed six of their 10 fixtures. Should they maintain top spot, the Leopards will reach a World Cup for the first time since they competed as Zaire in 1974.

West Ham shelled out £15million to secure the services of Wan-Bissaka from United in August 2024. But he remained on the bench during West Ham's crucial 3-0 triumph away to Nottingham Forest on Sunday. He'd featured in their opening two matches, both of which ended in defeat.

Under the stewardship of managers Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter, the player has made a total of 40 appearances, netting two goals and providing five assists.