Mumba set to miss Cod Army clash as England come calling
Bali Mumba is set to miss Sunderland’s clash with Fleetwood Town next weekend.
The 16-year-old has been called into the England U18 squad to play in the Limoges tournament next week.
England will take on the Netherlands on Wednesday 5 September, Russia on Friday 7 September and host nation France on Sunday 9 September.
Sunderland are due to face Fleetwood on the 8th.
Mumba’s call-up, however, will not lead to the game being postponed.
EFL rules state that clubs who have three players called up for international duty can request a postponement - but the players must be playing for their nation’s senior or U21 side.
That means that only Bryan Oviedo and Lynden Gooch would count towards a postponement if they are called up to the Costa Rica and USA squad respectively.
That means that it is now highly unlikely that the Black Cats’ clash with the Cod Army will be rearranged.
If selected Mumba will make his U18 debut, having previously played in the U16 and U17 sides.
Mumba featured in the first three league games of the season, but has been an unused substitute in the last two.
Elliot Embleton, who yesterday joined Grimsby Town on loan until January, has been called up to the U20 side.