Folarin Balogun of Arsenal has shifted his allegiance from England to the United States, according to FIFA.

The 21-year-old, who was born in New York and is presently on loan at the French side Reims, has played for England at the Under-21 level but has chosen to represent his own nation in senior international football.

“The change of association of the player Folarin Jolaoluwa Balogun from England to the USA has been approved,” a FIFA spokeswoman told the PA news agency.

Following US Soccer’s confirmation of the transition, Balogun said it was a “no-brainer” choice.

He told US Soccer’s official website: “My decision to represent the United States came together with my family.

“In the end, it became a no-brainer, but for sure it’s just something I wanted to do and it feels like I’m at home here.

“To represent the United States means a lot, more than people would know. I’m very proud and honoured to have this opportunity, and I want to give everything I have to make our team successful.”

The news comes just weeks before England are due to launch their European Under-21 Championship finals campaign in Georgia and Romania.

Balogun has made 13 appearances for Lee Carsley’s side, but withdrew from the squad in March due to injury.

Having been born in America, Balogun moved to England when he was two years old and also qualifies for Nigeria through his parents.

Qualifying players are allowed to switch associations before they have played a competitive match for a nation’s senior team.

Balogun has made 10 first-team appearances and scored two goals for the Gunners, and spent the second half of the 2021-22 season on loan at Sky Bet Championship Middlesbrough. He has also made a name for himself in Ligue 1 this season with 19 goals in 34 appearances to date.

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