Youngster happy to pull on the Three Lions.
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New Liverpool defender Tiago Ilori has said that he would be open to the possibility of representing England at international level despite his past with Portugal, the Metro reports.
The 20-year-old centre-back joined Brendan Rodgers’ men on transfer deadline day in a deal worth around £7m from Sporting Lisbon and is eligible to play for England having been born in London.
He has already represented Portugal at under-18, under-19 and under-20 level, but FIFA rules state that he can play for whomever he is eligible for until he makes a competitive debut for a country at full international level.
It is something that has crossed his mind before and he has insisted that he remains open to the possibility of turning out for the Three Lions at some point in the future, despite admitting he feels a loyalty to Portugal having played for them so far in his career at youth level.
“I think I would like to stay loyal to Portugal as I’ve played in every age group for them,” Ilori told the Liverpool Echo.
“But I would never close any doors and there is no decision to make yet. If I have the choice then it is not a bad choice to have.
“I lived in a few places around Kentish Town. I was eight when we moved to Portugal. My mum is Portuguese.
“I didn’t play in any football league when I was in London but just played with my friends.
“My English family are originally from Manchester and they all moved to London.
“My Dad was born in London as well.”
Ilori currently has a total of 27 international youth caps for Portugal.