Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has confirmed his decision to represent England at international level.
Born and raised in Croydon, south London, the right-back is of Congolese descent, represented DR Congo’s under-20 side in 2015 and remains eligible for both nations despite being capped by England at under-20 and under-21 level.
DR Congo boss Florent Ibenge has already gone public with his hope for Wan-Bissaka to follow in the footsteps of ex-Palace winger Yannick Bolasie by turning his back on the Three Lions.
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"It depends on him," Ibenge told The Independent earlier in the season. "I sent my scout to watch him four months ago and he sent me a report. He played very well.
"I won’t pick him for the squad, I want to speak with him first. I called him one month ago but he didn't answer. He has to want to accept the invitation and want to play for Congo, like [Yannick] Bolasie."
However, Ibenge is set to be disappointed following comments from Wan-Bissaka about his international plans.
"Yeah the aim is England," he confirmed. "I am happy playing with England and representing England, so that is what I am going to continue doing."
There's the U21 European Championships this summer and Wan-Bissaka has set his sights on helping Aidy Boothroyd's side to success in Italy and San Marino once the season ends.
"Yeah of course, that is where the focus is," he added. "When the season ends, it is about focusing on the Euros and aiming to win it. Then after that is about focusing on the next season."
The Three Lions are spoilt for choice when it comes to right-backs, Wan-Bissaka is currently behind Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order and was overlooked for the most recent international break.
But having worked his way into the first-team picture at Selhurst Park, the 21-year-old has set out his plan to do exactly the same with the national team.
"My aim is just to keep playing and improving," Wan-Bissaka said. "By improving hopefully that does not go unnoticed and that will get me the chance, the same as it did with the team (Crystal Palace) now.
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Wan-Bissaka was speaking after cleaning up at the club's end of season awards event last week.
Not only was he named PFA Community Champion - alongside Palace Ladies star Ciara Watling - but he took home the Player of the Season award as well as being voted the Players’ Player of the Season.
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