Ex-Chelsea star, Carney Chukwuemeka ‘set to abandon England and switch his international allegiance to play for Austria at the World Cup’

Former Chelsea and England youth star, Carney Chukwuemeka, is reportedly in the process of switching his international allegiance ahead of the World Cup.

Chukwuemeka, 22, joined Borussia Dortmund for £24million last summer after three years at Stamford Bridge where he struggled to earn a regular first team spot amid a battle for fitness and form.

The Blues had signed the attacking midfielder from Aston Villa for £20m when he was just 18, with Chukwuemeka one of the most highly rated talents in the country at the time.

That move came shortly after he starred when England won the Under 19 European Championship in 2022 – and he later went on to represent England Under 20s.

He was also called up to the Three Lions’ Under 21 team in 2024, but failed to feature due to injury.

According to The Athletic, the 22-year-old, who scored twice in 32 games for Chelsea, could be representing Austria in the near future.

The report states that the Austrian FA are working on an agreement for Chukwuemeka to switch his international allegiance ahead of next summer’s tournament.

Although he appeared for England’s youth teams, he never made a senior appearance, meaning a switch of nationality is allowed as per FIFA rules.

Chukwuemeka was born in the Austrian city of Eisenstadt in 2003 to Nigerian parents, meaning he qualifies for both countries. He is also eligible to play for France.

The 22-year-old lived in Austria during the early years of his life before his family moved to Northampton.

When he moved to England, Chukwuemeka renounced his Austrian citizenship as part of the process to become a British citizen.

However, given the choice was made for him when he was classified as a minor, he is now able to have that reinstated.