“Represent and be proud of it”: Tuanzebe calls on English-raised talents to elevate African football | OneFootball

Axel Tuanzebe has urged more English-raised footballers to represent their countries of origin to raise the level of African football.

Tuanzebe was part of the DR Congo side eliminated byEngland in the 2026 World Cup last 32 on Wednesday evening. The 28-year-old was born in DR Congo but relocated to England at a young age.

The centre-back represented England at youth level, before pledging his international allegiance to his birth country in 2024. This summer, he has formed part of a DR Congo side that has reached theWorld Cup knockout rounds for the first time.

He urged other English-raised footballers to consider representing African nations at international level.

England internationals Marc Guehi (Ivory Coast) and Trevoh Chalobah (Sierre Leone) with were both born in Africa, while teammates Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa and Kobbie Mainoo were all eligible to represent African nations alongside the Three Lions.

"It's fantastic for us as a nation, really putting ourselves on the map," Tuanzebe said toITV Sport after DR Congo's exit.

"Obviously trying to boost Congolese football, trying to encourage more youngsters to pick their home side and represent Congo - and be proud of it. Especially me growing up in England, you see a lot of young boys wanting to represent England instead of their home nations.

"I'd definitely like to see a balanced playing field. Some of the lads in the English national side have other origins. If they went to play for their origin countries, it would be a different story for African football.

"This is the first step for us. We want to progress things and, hopefully, be back in this competition."