Wilfried Zaha: I have no regrets at choosing Ivory Coast over England

The Abidjan-born C rystal Palace winger won two senior England caps over three years ago but as both were in friendly matches he was able to switch his allegiance to his country of birth.

England boss Gareth Southgate had hoped to persuade Zaha to change his mind, but the 24-year-old was included in the Ivory Coast squad for the upcoming African Nations Cup and he made his Elephants' debut in a 2-1 pre-tournament win over Sweden on Sunday.

Zaha, who moved to London when he was four, said on www.fedivoir.com: "I went to England when I was young and I did not return home. So I did all my classes in my adopted country and it was most normal that I played for the England youth sides.

"But for four years, I've had a lot of time to analyse the situation and take into account the requests of the Ivory Coast Association. So I made my choice. Now I want to play with the Ivory Coast.

"It is gratifying, firstly because I am proud to play for my country, and also because the Ivory Coast has quality players and has always been a breeding ground of talent. So I made the right choice and I don't regret it."

The Ivory Coast are due to face Uganda in a friendly on Wednesday, before getting their African Nations Cup campaign under way against Togo on January 16.