The battle is on for Ben Woodburn, but Wales boss says 17-year-old has ‘given his word’

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Ben Woodburn is set for a future as a Welsh international, it seems.

Our 17-year-old, who scored on Tuesday evening against Leeds, qualifies for both England and Wales, having actually been born in Chester.

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The hype around him has intensified since his goal, which made him Liverpool’s youngest ever scorer, but despite England’s early efforts, Wales boss Chris Coleman is confident Woodburn will pick the Dragons.

He said: “He’s said he’s committed to Wales and I’m happy to take his word for it. He’s been brought up in the Welsh system and done very well for the various sides he has played for so we have full faith in him.

“We’re aware he does qualify for England but he’s always represented us well and represented us proudly – and the signs are good that he will keep progressing and continue to do that. We have full faith in him as a player.”

Woodburn is unlikely to be heavily involved this term and will instead be deployed for the Under-23s, for whom he already has five goals and five assists this term.

His talent is exceptional, but there’s no need to rush. There’s a chance he’ll get opportunities in the FA Cup at the start of next year, but don’t expect Woodburn to be anything other than a substitute in the Premier League.

By next year, we think we’ll see the teenager more regularly. Until then, hold tight!

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