Former Chelsea and current Borussia Dortmund star Carney Chukwuemeka has declared his international allegiance to Austria ahead of the World Cup.

The midfielder, 22, represented a number of age groups with the Three Lions, progressing from under-17 level all the way up until under-20. He was also part of the side that won the under-19 Euros in 2022, scoring three goals at the tournament - but he has now decided to declare for Austria instead.

Chukwuemeka’s switch has already been ratified by FIFA and he is eligible to make his debut for the country in this month’s friendlies against Ghana and South Korea.

The midfielder is also able to represent Austria at this summer’s World Cup, where Ralf Rangnick’s side have been drawn to face Argentina, Algeria and Jordan. It is the nation’s first appearance at a World Cup finals since 1998.

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Chukwuemeka is not the only one to have switched allegiance ahead of the tournament. Former German youth international Paul Wanner is also now under consideration for selection.

Chukwuemeka’s switch has been made possible by the fact he was born in the Austrian capital of Vienna before his family moved to Northampton as a child. He commenced his career with Aston Villa, making 16 appearances for the club before a 2022 move to Chelsea.

The midfielder went on to make 32 appearances for the Blues, scoring twice, ahead of a loan switch to German side Borussia Dortmund. The Bundesliga club activated an option to sign him permanently last summer, with Chukwuemeka having played a key role this term.

Speaking about his move, Dortmund sporting chief Sebastian Kehl said: “Transfers in the Bundesliga are generally a bit easier. We’ve now dealt with clubs that aren’t necessarily dependent on money.

“This changes the negotiating position dramatically. And I have to say: the English are often pain-free. They sometimes deliberately enter the final phase of the transfer window because they know that, given their financial resources, they can rest assured that a potential domino effect will follow. So, we had to be patient in order to be able to negotiate.

“Of course, I could also fly to Chelsea in July, sit down with the bosses, and make the €20 million offer for Chukwuemeka,” Kehl added. “But then they’d probably say, ‘You can fly home immediately!’ It takes time and a clear strategy to implement your ideas. And it also requires a clear commitment from the player.”

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