Liam Delap has turned down the chance to represent England at this summer’s European Under-21 Championship in order to play for Chelsea at the Club World Cup.
After weeks of speculation, Chelsea confirmed on Wednesday that they had seen off strong competition from Manchester United to complete a £30million deal with Ipswich for Delap.
Delap, 22, who scored 12 goals in his first full season in the Premier League last term, has put pen to paper on a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, tying him to the club until 2031.
Ever since it became clear that Delap would be joining the Blues, there has been uncertainty as to where the striker’s allegiances would lie this summer, with both club and country competing for his time.
The Three Lions face the Czech Republic for their opening match at the U21 Euros on June 12 and just four days later, Chelsea kick off their Club World Cup campaign versus Los Angeles FC.
Get personalised updates on Chelsea every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
According to Mail Sport, Chelsea have been discussing the quandary with the FA and it has been agreed that Delap will not be named in Lee Carsley’s England squad for this summer’s international tournament.
Carsley, who has given Delap his blessing to go away with Chelsea, is set to unveil his 23-man party for the flight to Slovakia on Friday.
Chelsea’s Club World Cup fixtures
Chelsea vs. Los Angeles FC (June 16)
Flamengo vs. Chelsea (June 20)
ES Tunis vs. Chelsea (June 25)
England and the Czech Republic have been placed in Group B, along with Germany and Slovenia.
The Three Lions enter the tournament as the defending champions after a 1-0 victory over Spain saw them clinch the title back in 2023.
The loss of Delap comes as a further setback to England and Carlsey following the news that Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis would likely miss out due to an ankle injury.
After signing on the dotted line at Chelsea, Delap opened up on his reasons for choosing the club.
The centre-forward, a product of Manchester City’s academy, has fond memories of watching the Blues as a youngster and is ‘hungry’ to help steer the club back to their former glory.
‘Growing up watching this club, I understand the stature of it and how incredible it has been over the years,’ he added.
‘I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that.
‘The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective.’
Having dedicated his life to football, Delap is pleased that his many years of hard ‘graft’ have paid off.
‘Since I was eight or nine years old, I was focused on football,’ he went on.
‘I never wanted to do anything else, and I’ve given everything I could to make it happen.
‘It’s such a long and hard period and things can be tough for you, but I’ve always enjoyed it. I just love football; I’d be playing with my mates if I wasn’t a professional.
‘Fortunately, I’m alright at it – and I’m delighted that graft has worked out and I’m here now at Chelsea.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
