Ex-Manchester United Star Dumps England dream for DR Congo

Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan Bissaka | Mirror

Ex-Manchester United Star Dumps England dream for DR Congo

Ayoola Kelechi 22:01 - 23.03.2024

Despite playing for England's youth team, the former Old Trafford star has decided to pitch his international tent with DR Congo

Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has made a significant decision regarding his international football career, opting to represent the national team of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This move comes as Tuanzebe prepares to participate in the qualifiers for both the 2025 African Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup.

Decision to Represent DR Congo

Axel Tuanzebe, a product of the Manchester United academy, has had a varied career across several clubs, including Napoli, Aston Villa, and Stoke City. Despite his roots in England's football system, Tuanzebe has chosen to align himself with his country of origin, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tuanzebe's decision to join the DR Congo national team came after his hopes of representing England did not materialize. Despite his ties to England's footballing tradition, Tuanzebe opted to give his commitment to head coach Sébastien Desabre and the Congolese national team.

Future Prospects for DR Congo

With Tuanzebe's inclusion, the DR Congo national team prepares to face Senegal in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers next June. Positioned third in Group B, behind Senegal and Sudan, DR Congo seeks to secure its path to the World Cup while continuing to build upon its recent achievements on the African football stage.

Head coach Desabre, leading the DR Congo national team, achieved a fourth-place finish in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The team's journey included victories over strong opponents like Egypt and Guinea before succumbing to South Africa in the third-place playoffs. Now, with Tuanzebe on board, Desabre aims to lead DR Congo to further success in upcoming competitions.

Axel Tuanzebe's decision to represent the Democratic Republic of Congo signals a new chapter in his international football career. With aspirations of success in both the African Cup of Nations and the World Cup, Tuanzebe joins a team poised to make a mark on the global footballing landscape. As the journey unfolds, Tuanzebe and DR Congo aim to achieve their collective goals, backed by determination and talent.

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