England must use Curtis Jones now with option to switch international allegiance

Liverpool star Curtis Jones must be used by the England national team to halt any chance of the midfielder deciding to play for Nigeria.

Last year, Jones scored the winner as the England Under 21s defeated Spain in the European Championship. The 23-year-old struck to ensure Lee Carsley’s team secured silverware, and his form has carried over into the 2024-25 season.

Jones has featured 12 times under new head coach Arne Slot and scored the winner against Chelsea at Anfield recently. As a result of his fine form, he has been rewarded with another England call-up.

• Lee Carsley on Liverpool's Curtis Jones: "He’s one of the best players I’ve worked with"

• Gary Neville and Roy Keane share same view on Liverpool vs Aston Villa prediction

Jones has come agonizingly close to representing England several times. He was called up ahead of Euro 2024, only to be cut from the squad when it was whittled down to 26 players by Gareth Southgate.

Then in September, Jones was included in the squad only to pull out due to injury. He was again on the squad in October, but was an unused substitute against Greece and withdrew from the squad before the Finland game following the birth of his first child.

As a result, Jones is still waiting for his senior England debut. He has been called up to face Greece and the Republic of Ireland next week thanks to his fine Liverpool performances, and the Three Lions must ensure he sees some action otherwise Nigeria could court his services.

Jones reportedly qualifies to play for Nigeria through his grandmother, who hails from the African nation. There has been talk of Nigeria looking to entice Jones into switching international allegiance in the past, but nothing has ever come of it.

However, injuries to key options, along with Jones’ stellar form, should see him finally take to the field and represent England at the senior level. His club teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold is also set to feature.

Carsley, who is serving as manager until Thomas Tuchel takes over next year, recently addressed Jones and heaped praise on the midfielder. He told reporters: “Curtis is an all-round player. He plays in various positions and he’s a player I highly rate. He’s probably one of the best players I’ve worked with in terms of his ability.

“He’s shown a real consistent level of performance, playing every week, now. Most weeks he’s at a really high level and he’s shown he can score goals. He’s a player we’ve had a lot of success with working in the past.”