Suliman opts for Pakistan at international level [Dawn]

KARACHI: Former England under-20 defender Easah Suliman has opted to play for Pakistan at senior level, the Pakistan Football Federation Normalisation Committee announcing on Thursday that FIFA had approved the change in the centre-back’s national eligibility.

Easah Suliman is a Shaheen! ????

FIFA has approved a request by the Pakistan Football Federation to change Easah Suliman’s national eligibility from England! ????

The former England U-20 player will now be representing Pakistan in the upcoming events! ⚽️????????#wearepakistanfootball pic.twitter.com/iPI22uzDNj

— Pakistan Football Federation (@TheRealPFF) May 18, 2023

The 25-year-old Suliman was once one of the brightest young talents in English football and beacame the first player of Asian heritage to lead an England side. A product of the Aston Villa academy, he now plays for UD Vilafranquense in Portugal’s second-tier on loan from top-flight Vitoria Guimaraes.

Massive news for Pakistan NT, Easah Suliman cleared to play for Pakistan.

He had previously played for England Youth Teams including winning the European U19 Championship. https://t.co/Irbeztx80D pic.twitter.com/WCJdCdBTGZ

— FootballPakistan.com (@FootballPak) May 18, 2023

Suliman is likely to make his debut for Pakistan in next month’s SAFF Championship in India.

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2023