Aaron Wan-Bissaka Gives Up on England Dream as West Ham Star Makes Big Call

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has finally given up on his England international dream after years of waiting for the big call.

The full back has been holding out for the shout from Gareth Southgate to play for the country which never came.

He has always been on the fringes of the former boss’ squad and thoughts, but the real thing never materialised and now he has moved on.

It has been reported this week that the West Ham United defender has now plumped to play for DR Congo having always been eligible for them even while he was playing with the English youth set up.

Wan-Bissaka was often in the conversation to earn his maiden England call but was always behind others in the pecking order, according to Southgate.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has chosen to represent DR Congo

The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier have all been given a fair crack in the position by the ex-Middlesbrough defender, but never Wan-Bissaka.

That never stopped the defender from holding out hope and he explained back six years ago how he had always wanted the opportunity to wear the Three Lions’ jersey.

“The aim is England,” Wan-Bissaka told the media back in 2019. “I am happy playing with England and representing England, so that is what I am going to continue doing.

“My aim is just to keep playing and improving. By improving hopefully that does not go unnoticed and that will get me the chance, the same as it did with the team (then Palace) now.”

The Croydon-born player confirmed earlier today how he had finally agreed to join up with the Congo squad after years of stalling on his decision.

Why Wan-Bissaka changed his mind over England cap

He has jetted into camp with Sebastien Desabre’s squad ahead of two massive World Cup qualifiers. The country take on South Sudan on Friday evening before they then host Senegal in Kinshasa next Tuesday.

His new country top their group having played six of their 10 games. They have four wins from those outings, with one draw and one defeat to their name.

They are bidding to play in their first World Cup since 1974.

Wan-Bissaka has managed 40 appearances for the Irons since he joined the club having already managed an excellent haul of more than 190 outings for Manchester United before his £15million switch in 2024.

He also counts Crystal Palace among his former clubs where he turned out for the Eagles 46 times before he was sold on to Old Trafford in a big money switch.