Folarin Balogun: Arsenal forward switches to USA from England

Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun's decision to switch international allegiance from England to the United States has been approved by Fifa.

The 21-year-old, who is currently on loan with French side Reims, was born in the US to Nigerian parents but raised in England.

Balogun has previously played for England Under-21s but withdrew from the squad in March because of injury.

He will not play in the upcoming European Under-21 Championship.

A Fifa spokesperson told BBC Sport: "The change of association of the player Folarin Jolaoluwa Balogun from England to the USA has been approved."

Balogun has scored 19 Ligue 1 goals in 34 appearances for Reims this season.

Speaking to US Soccer's official website, Balogun said the decision was a "no-brainer" and he feels at "home".

Balogun said: "When I broke the news to my family they were all just over the moon, especially my mom. She said, 'What took you so long?'

"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."

He has previously said he would be open to representing Nigeria but has decided to become available for the United States - a choice he was eligible to make having not won a senior England cap.