Liverpool target Fabio Carvalho gets Portugal call-up as England set to miss out

Fulham wonderkid and Liverpool target Fabio Carvalho has been called into Portugal's under-21 squad despite playing for England's youth teams,

The 19-year-old, who came through the Cottagers' academy, has represented England at under-16, under-17 and under-18 level after his family moved from Lisbon to London. However, after passport issues brought into question his ability to earn an England under-21 call-up, the country of his birth has swooped in.

Carvalho has scored eight goals this season under Marco Silva, helping Fulham edge ever closer to promotion back to the Premier League. His performances have earned comparisons with Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes, and the youngster could yet end up playing senior international football alongside the former Sporting CP man.

According to Sky Sports (via The Star ), Carvalho's England under-21 hopes had been thrown into question when it emerged he had not passed a British citizenship test. The player doesn't have a British passport, meaning he would reportedly be unable to represent England sides in competitive games.

He is not the only English-based played named in Rui Jorge's squad. Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Fabio Silva has earned another call-up, while Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares is also involved.

Portugal finished as runners-up in the 2021 European Under-21 Championships in Slovenia. Manchester United's Diogo Dalot was part of the starting XI for the final defeat against Germany, as was former Wolves loanee Vitinha.

Will England live to regret it if Carvalho plays for Portugal's senior side? Have your say in the comments section

Carvalho will not be cap-tied to Portugal after the under-21 call-up, and could still end up making a senior bow for England. However, Gareth Southgate and the FA may be worried after losing other young talents in the past.

Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala played for England all the way up to under-21 level, but eventually declared for Germany, the country of his birth. Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi, meanwhile, has reportedly been weighing up switching his allegiances to Ghana despite earning senior caps for the Three Lions.

Back in 2017, England's then-under-21 boss Aidy Boothroyd spoke about the possibility of stars declaring for other national sides after reports Nigeria were looking at Tammy Abraham and Sheyi Ojo. "You can't blame them, because they're good players. These are lads who have played for England who have an affinity with us and a relationship," he said.

Portugal's under-21s are due to take on Iceland and Greece in the upcoming international break. They have won their first five qualifiers without conceding a goal, and are well on track to reach the next European Championships tournament in 2023.

England are second in their own qualifying group, three points behind the Czech Republic, but have two games in hand over their rivals. Lee Carsley's squad are due to take on Andorra and Albania in a double-header of their own as they aim to continue their unbeaten start to qualifying.

One man who won't be involved for Carsley's team is Michael Olise. The Crystal Palace star is eligible for England, having been born in London, but has linked up with France's under-21 squad after playing for Les Bleus at under-18 level.

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