THIS former Arsenal star once looked destined to be an England regular after switching his international allegiance from Finland.
But after featuring just once under Roy Hodgson, the fallen star failed to play again for either nation.
Carl Jenkinson, 31, was tipped to become a top player for club and country after bursting on to the scene in 2010 with Charlton.
His impressive performances in League One secured a 2011 move to Arsenal.
And Jenkinson ended up playing 70 times for the Gunners before departing for Nottingham Forest in 2019.
The right-back, who also took in loans at West Ham and Birmingham, now plies his trade in Australia with Newcastle Jets following a spell at Melbourne City.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
LIFE'S A PITCH
I live next to a world famous football stadium… match days are a nightmare
POWER UP
Get £40 in free Bet Builder bets when you stake £10 on football with Paddy Power
But things could have turned out differently for Jenkinson had he gone on to become an England mainstay.
The Essex-born defender made one appearance for the Three Lions’ U17s before declaring his intention to play for Finland.
Jenkinson clocked up games for their U19s and U21s before receiving a distress call from senior England boss Hodgson in 2012.
The tactician wanted Jenkinson to replace Kyle Walker following an injury to the then-Tottenham ace.
Most read in Football
COUPLE GOALS
Laura Woods & Adam Collard look loved up as he kisses TV host on romantic walk
ROO’S HE?
Wayne Rooney reveals awkward interaction on his first day as Birmingham boss
KAL IT QUITS
Phillips offered Man City exit with European giants to offer him huge move
JESS GOT SERIOUS
Moment Alex Scott & Jess Glynne spotted cosying up at 1st event as couple
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
And Hodgson eventually convinced him to make the switch, handing Jenkinson a debut off the bench in England’s 4-2 friendly defeat to Sweden.
The ace then dropped down to U21 level, playing 14 times before age ruled him out of contention.
However, Jenkinson never got a second call-up to England’s senior squad.
He was still eligible to play for Finland too, having only featured for the Three Lions in a friendly.
But a recall never came, with Jenkinson sure to wonder what could have been had he stuck with his original choice.
ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours from the Emirates
Source: Read Full Article
