You’re arrogant – USA’s Eric Wynalda slams Southgate over comment on Balogun

 Former United States forward, Eric Wynalda has slammed England manager, Gareth Southgate, accusing him of being arrogant which has caused the Three Lions to miss out on Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun.

Balogun, who was eligible to play for Nigeria, England and USA, announced last week that he would be representing the Americans on senior level, having played for the Young Lions on youth level.

Balogun has been in top form this season for French side Reims where he is on loan from Arsenal, playing 35 games in Ligue 1 and scoring 20 goals and providing three assists.

Speaking on The Action Network, Wynalda noted that England has missed out on the young talented striker because of ‘English Arrogance.’

“Gareth Southgate has certainly made some missteps here with his comments about the talented American playing in France. Southgate said: ‘We can’t just hand out international opportunities to a player simply because we don’t want them to play for somebody else’.

“Whoops – If he could take that one back now I think he would.”

Eric Wynalda claimed that the England manager had underestimated the 21-year-old’s ability.

“Southgate has completely underestimated Folarin’s ability and tried to shrug it off. Sorry, but there are times where English arrogance needs to be illuminated and this is one of them,” he added.