MUSAH FEELS SO MIXED UP ABOUT LIONS

YUNUS MUSAH will be suffering mixed emotions when he lines up against England tomorrow night.

New York-born Musah (above) represented England at Under-15 level through to U18s, but made the decision to represent the USA at senior level in 2020.

His decision to switch allegiances was a big blow to Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, who had high hopes the midfielder – who also qualified to play for Italy and Ghana

– would choose to represent England.

But the 19-year-old, who spent seven years at Arsenal’s academy before joining Valencia in 2019, chose the USA and revealed he did a great deal of soul-searching before committing himself to Gregg Berhalter’s side.

And Musah said it will be a strange experience lining up against the country he moved to aged nine and one he admitted gave him so much in his formative years.

“I don’t think I know how I’m going to feel,” said Musah. “But it’s a special game, for sure, because I’ve played for both sides.

“I made the decision because I was born in the US. That was one of the main things.

“Also, to get the opportunity at such a young age was something that I wanted to take, so it was great when the manager called me and gave me that opportunity.”

Musah said he was forced to leave Arsenal at the age of 16 because he could not see a pathway to the first team. His move to Spain has been vindicated with him becoming a regular starter at Valencia and an automatic pick for the USA team.

“That was one of the reasons I chose to move to Spain,” added Musah (playing for the Gunners’ U16 side, right).

“I felt at the time that

I wasn’t able to be in the Arsenal first team so early.

“The team was really good, but I felt at my age that I could play first team football and there was the chance to move to Valencia.

Things turned out great.”

USA keeper Matt Turner hailed his Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka as one of the biggest talents at the World Cup.

“He’s one of the young stars of world football,” said Turner.

“He’s a top player for England and you don’t need me to tell anybody on our team how much of a threat he poses.”