Former Chelsea wonderkid switches allegiance from England despite playing at every youth level up to senior
JAY DASILVA has been called into the Wales squad for the first time despite representing England throughout his youth career.
The ex-Chelsea defender, 25, has played for the Three Lions at every level between Under-16 and Under-21 and even captained the U19s to Euro glory in 2017.
But the Coventry full-back, who operates at left-back or left wing-back, has been added to Robert Page’s squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Armenia on Saturday and Turkey on November 21.
Luton-born DaSilva qualifies for Wales through his grandmother, who was born in Pontypridd.
Wales, who need two wins to qualify for the Germany finals next summer, posted on their official X account: “Jay DaSilva has received his first Cymru call-up and has been added to the squad to face Armenia and Turkey.”
Wales have looked to bolster their wing-back options after Ipswich’s Wes Burns suffered a shoulder injury against Gibraltar last month.
Burns returned as a substitute for the Tractor Boys in Saturday’s 3-2 Championship win over Swansea but is deemed not ready for Wales duty.
DaSilva, whose brother Cole represented Wales at 21s level but is no longer a pro, was skipper when England clinched U19 Euros success against Portugal in Georgia six years ago.
Premier League stars Reece James, Mason Mount and Aaron Ramsdale were also in the squad.
DaSilva was part of the U21 Three Lions squad that won the prestigious Toulon Tournament the following year.
He also made history by winning the FA Youth Cup three times at Chelsea.
After leaving the Blues he had spells at Charlton and Bristol City.
However, he was released by the Robins in the summer and was unemployed until joining the Sky Blues.