Gareth Southgate reveals England looked into signing Evan Ferguson and Erling Haaland
Gareth Southgate has revealed that the England national team looked into the possibility of signing both Evan Ferguson and Erling Haaland, but both strikers have chosen to pledge their international allegiance elsewhere.
Ferguson, who plays for Brighton, has chosen to represent Ireland, the country of his birth, while the Manchester City superstar plays for Norway, where he grew up after being born in Leeds.
Evan Ferguson
Southgate admits that both forwards were pursued, at least to some extent, but he is more than happy with having Harry Kane up front instead.
On Ferguson possibly still being able to switch to England, Southgate said: ‘I think he’s played too many games at senior level, I think he’s got eight caps now. I’m not exactly sure on whether he definitely can’t, but I think he’s made it very clear he feels he was born in Ireland and he’s represented them and I would 100 per cent [support that].
‘I think he’s a bloody good player. We have to respect him, I don’t think he’s given any inkling that would be any different.
Erling Haaland
Southgate continued: ‘At the same time, we were looking at Haaland and wishing that he might have been available as well. But we’ve got a pretty good number nine and we’re very happy with him.’
Haaland has scored 24 goals in 25 caps for Norway since making his debut in 2019.
Elliot Anderson
A player with an international future still up for discussion is Newcastle midfielder Elliot Anderson, who has played for both England and Scotland at youth level.
He was called up to the latest Scotland senior squad but pulled out due to injury so is yet to win a full cap for any nation.
On the future of the 20-year-old, Southgate said: ‘I don’t know. We liked him and we do like him. We think he’s a player that’s doing really well.
‘Obviously, he was called into their squad earlier in the week and I don’t know what the position is at the moment. I saw he’s pulled out.
‘Let’s see, that’s