Agbonlahor warned over England

Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Lagos

Agbonlahor played for England U21 in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat of Germany

Former England international John Fashanu has warned Gabriel Agbonlahor against pledging his international future to the European country.

Agbonlahor, whose father is from Nigeria, turned down an offer to play for the West African nation last month.

The Aston Villa striker says he wants to concentrate on winning a place in the English national team after representing them at youth level.

But Nigerian-born Fashanu, who twice represented England, says Agbonlahor will regret playing for the 1966 World Cup winners.

"The decision lies with him and his family, and he should think about this thoroughly because it will either make or mar his international career," Fashanu told a local radio station on Wednesday.

"He will probably get two or three games for England's seniors and then get discarded - it's as simple as that.

"I know this because I am a product of the same system and I am still regretting it now.

"I never had the opportunity of getting this sort of advice when I was his age and I don't want him to make the same mistake I made."

Fashanu, who won two England caps in 1989, is one of several Nigerian-born footballers who have opted to play for England.

"Agbonlahor should look at Carlton Cole, Shola Ameobi and many others who are victim of this terrible misjudgement," the former Wimbledon and Aston Villa player explained.

"The Super Eagles will be a great team and he should concentrate on playing for Nigeria rather than England.

"Should he go the England way, the day will come when he will regret his actions."

Agbonlahor has proved a relevation for Villa this season in their impressive start to the English Premiership.