Lee Carsley confirms Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise would’ve earned England U21 call-up

Lee Carsley confirmed that England Under 21s had hoped to call on Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise before the winger chose to continue his international career with France.

Olise, born in London, is set for an Under-21 debut with France next week after impressing for Patrick Vieira’s side during his first Premier League season.

The 20-year-old has earned international honours for France’s other age group teams but England had made it known they were interested in Olise switching allegiances.

U21 boss Lee Carsley said he wishes Olise chose to represent England at international level

‘You cannot force anyone and I try to stay away from capping someone just to stop them doing something else,’ Carsley said. 

‘It is not something I would want to do.

‘We have a responsibility to not just cap a player and then restrict their future. We always want to provide a real connection so they enjoy representing England.

‘We made Crystal Palace and the player aware that we were interested and he has chosen to go to France and that is his prerogative.’ 

Olise has been one of the breakout stars this year with two goals and five assists in the league

Olise, also eligible for Nigeria, is still free to represent England until he makes a competitive senior bow for another country.

Carsley added: ‘I definitely would not ask Patrick to ask him to play for England! These players don’t just burst onto the scene, we are aware of them for a long time.

‘It would have been great to have him in the squad, where he could have shown Gareth (Southgate) what he can do and he could have moved up.’