Jacob Murphy rejects offer in hope of late call-up – Report

Jacob Murphy has reportedly declined the option to switch international allegiances ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with the winger still hopeful of securing a place in one of Thomas Tuchel’s future England squads.

Murphy, who has represented the Three Lions at Under-21 level, has ambitions of stepping up to senior level, having enjoyed his best season yet with 14 goal involvements in 28 appearances.

The 30-year-old’s optimism is admirable, but he’ll have a tough task with Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden and others all competing for places, along with Noni Madueke and Arsenal talent Ethan Nwaneri.

Murphy’s offer from Super Eagles boss

Nigeria boasts some of the finest attacking talent in all of Africa, with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface just a few of its stars.

Nigeria are still without a win in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, and Murphy’s impressive numbers and dual attacking and defensive capabilities could have been the catalyst to reverse Nigeria’s fortunes.

Jacob Murphy would perhaps provide something different to Head Coach Eric Chelle. However, it seems Murphy won’t be joining Premier League talents like Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey in switching allegiances.

Hopes of an England call up

According to The Mail’s Craig Hope, Murphy is set to resist the temptation to make the switch, and instead commit to breaking into the England National Team through his form on Tyneside.

Addressing Murphy’s choice, Hope writes he “will politely decline an approach from Nigeria to switch his international allegiance.”

“Rather, the 29-year-old will concentrate on maintaining his impressive club form and has not given up hope of one day earning his first senior England cap.”

England stars made to wait

Thomas Tuchel has a tough selection headache coming his way in having to pick his first England squad.

The new Three Lions boss will name his first squad tomorrow and it’ll be interesting to see who the former Chelsea and Bayern boss’ selects, with several Mags in contention.