Wilfred switched allegiance to his country of birth after making two friendly appearances for the English national team and has gone on to feature at the African Nations Cup.

Wilfred Zaha

A goal for the Elephants against Russia over the weekend now leaves questions on the lips of many on why the 24-year-old was not convinced to stick with the three lions.

Gaffer Gareth Southgate has defended himself over Zaha’s switch by reiterating that he will only pick those who have an “inherent desire”.

And former England defender Danny Mills, who won 19 caps for England, believes the gifted wideman was simply not up to the fight.

Speaking to the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, he said: “Would you rather play for England or the Ivory Coast? Ultimately he’s taken the easier option and thought ‘well, I might get a few more caps and I might get to play in a few more tournaments because my chances with England are probably going to be limited’.

“Gareth just means that he wants people to fight for the shirt and if you don’t get in, you don’t get in.

“I probably did over 30-odd squads and never got any game time – sat in the stands, sat on the bench – but you still turned up every single time in that hope that you might get a chance and take it.

“It is just an easy option from Zaha to go and play somewhere else.”