Aaron Wan-Bissaka Chooses DR Congo After England Snub
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has made his choice. After years of lingering in international limbo, the West Ham full-back has accepted his first senior call-up for the DR Congo national team. For a player long tipped for England, the move marks a clear shift in priorities and a fresh start.
Wan-Bissaka is one of three new faces named in DR Congo’s squad for their upcoming June friendlies, joining Steve Kapuadi and Afimico Pululu in getting the nod from manager Sébastien Desabre. It’s a decision that’s been years in the making and one that comes with a sense of finality.
A Door That Never Opened
There was a time when Wan-Bissaka looked like the next in line for England’s right-back spot. He broke through at Crystal Palace with a string of dominant defensive displays, and his £50 million move to Manchester United only added weight to his case. But Gareth Southgate never seemed convinced.
Despite being called up in 2019, he withdrew due to injury and never featured again. Since then, he’s been overtaken by the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James and Kieran Trippier. Southgate preferred full-backs who could contribute in possession and offer something going forward. Wan-Bissaka’s game, built on defensive discipline and tackling, didn’t fit the mould.
A Late Twist with Tuchel?
Interestingly, Wan-Bissaka had recently been linked with a possible England return. Reports from Goal suggested that incoming Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel was considering him for a recall as part of a reshaped England squad. The German coach, known for valuing defensive solidity, was reportedly open to bringing Wan-Bissaka back into the fold. That speculation now looks to be over. If there were any whispers of a late England call, the full-back has shut the door himself for now.
Why DR Congo Now?
Born in London to Congolese parents, Wan-Bissaka has always been eligible to represent DR Congo. He even played once for their U20 side before switching to England at youth level. For years, he left the door open, hoping perhaps for a change in fortune with England. That call never came.
Now 27, and having joined West Ham in search of regular football, the timing feels right. DR Congo are building a competitive squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With the likes of Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku, and Yoane Wissa already in the setup, the Leopards are no longer short of talent. Wan-Bissaka adds top-flight pedigree and a sense of defensive control they’ve sometimes lacked.
What He Offers the Leopards
Wan-Bissaka’s reputation as one of the best one-on-one defenders in Europe is no exaggeration. His timing in the tackle and composure under pressure have been standout traits since his Palace days. For DR Congo, that defensive ability could be a game-changer, especially in tough qualifiers where margins are slim and attacking threats constant.
He’s not going to bomb down the wing or swing in crosses like Alexander-Arnold, but in a side that values compactness and counter-attacks, he makes sense. There’s also the off-pitch impact. His decision sends a message to other dual-nationality players. DR Congo aren’t just a fall-back option anymore they’re a serious project with quality players ready to compete in Africa and the world stage.
A Decision… But Not Final
It’s worth noting that these upcoming fixtures are only international friendlies. Under FIFA rules, a player is not officially tied to a national team unless they play in a competitive fixture. That means Wan-Bissaka could still switch back to England if he doesn’t feature in a competitive match for DR Congo. While this call-up signals clear intent, it doesn’t legally close the door on the Three Lions. If England were to make a strong move, particularly under new management, there’s still room for persuasion. For now though, it’s DR Congo who’ve made the first real commitment.
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