Tyrese Noubissie’s next international step will come in Switzerland, not France. The 17-year-old Strasbourg prospect has chosen England’s Under-18 squad for a friendly tournament in Nyon, where the Young Lions begin against Colombia on Thursday.
England secure Strasbourg teenager
Noubissie had been called up by both France and England at Under-18 level last week, forcing a decision between the two countries that had become his principal international options. He has selected England for this gathering.
The move is significant because Noubissie had previously represented France from Under-16 level and captained the side at the Montaigu Tournament. However, he was not selected for France Under-17 duty during either the European Championship qualifying campaign or the finals.
England moved quickly during that absence, with its Talent ID department maintaining contact with a player eligible for several national teams. France does not have an equivalent specialist structure focused on tracking and engaging eligible youth internationals.
- Noubissie developed in England after growing up there, while also becoming a France youth international from Under-16 level.
- He was left out of France’s Under-17 selections for Euro qualifying and the tournament proper.
- Both France and England named him in their Under-18 squads last week.
- He opted for England and is set to face Colombia in Nyon on Thursday.
A choice that is not yet final
The teenager can represent four countries: France, England, Scotland and Cameroon. His decision had largely come down to France or England, but his current switch does not permanently settle his senior international future.
Noubissie has not yet played a competitive match for any national side. Even after doing so, football’s eligibility rules would allow him one change of sporting nationality.
England nevertheless view his arrival as an important youth recruitment success, particularly after Michael Olise previously chose France over the Three Lions.
Strasbourg pathway after Leicester and Manchester City
Noubissie was developed by Leicester City before joining Manchester City, who paid €1 million to sign him when he was 14. He agreed his first professional contract with Strasbourg last summer.
He made four Ligue 1 appearances late last season under Gary O’Neil, but has not featured in the current campaign under Hugo Oliveira.
BlueCo saw the forward as one of the most closely watched young players on the market when he arrived in Alsace. The group’s plan is for him to continue his development at Strasbourg, with Chelsea a possible future destination should his progress follow the expected path.
