Wan-Bissaka dumps England, switches to DR Congo for W’Cup qualifiers

Former Manchester United full-back, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, has officially switched his international allegiance from England to the Democratic Republic of Congo, setting up an immediate competitive debut in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers.

The 27-year-old, who now plies his trade with West Ham United following a £15 million move in 2024, had featured for England’s youth sides but never earned a senior cap despite years of consistent club football at the highest level.

For years, the defender was overlooked by successive England managers, including Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel, who regularly preferred Kyle Walker, Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier ahead of him.

Wan-Bissaka’s switch now strengthens DR Congo’s squad as they push for a place at the 2026 World Cup. His first outing comes against South Sudan at the Juba National Stadium, where DR Congo leads Group B and faces a struggling opponent yet to register a win after six games.

His second appearance is expected to be more daunting, as DR Congo lines up against Senegal on September 9 – a clash that could see him face his West Ham team-mate, El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Wan-Bissaka, who spent five seasons at Old Trafford after a £50 million switch from Crystal Palace in 2019, made 190 appearances for Manchester United, winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup before departing for the London club.