Twitter.com/Balogun & Getty

'Let's make history!' - Folarin Balogun officially declares for USMNT with awesome video announcement as England snubbed

Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun officially confirmed on Tuesday that he will represent the USMNT at international level over England and Nigeria.

Balogun makes USMNT announcement
Striker officially switches to U.S.
Could join team this summer for Nations League and Gold Cup

WHAT HAPPENED? After news broke on Tuesday morning that FIFA had approved the striker's change of federation, the striker took to social media to confirm his allegiance.

The video, which features pundits discussing the striker's abilities and international status, ends with a shot of a Balogun USMNT jersey with a simple message: "I'm coming home. Let's make history."

WHAT THEY SAID: "My decision to represent the United States came together with my family,” added Balogun in a Q&A published by U.S. Soccer. “In the end it became a no-brainer, but for sure it’s just something I wanted to do and it feels like I’m at home here. To represent the United States means a lot, more than people would know. I’m very proud and honored to have this opportunity, and I want to give everything I have to make our team successful.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Balogun's commitment is massive for the USMNT, who have been lacking a star striker for years. The striker, who has been playing club soccer for Reims on loan from Arsenal, has 19 goals in Ligue 1 this season, good for fifth in the scoring charts.

With stars like Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Tim Weah, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie all playing in top-five leagues, the U.S. have lacked a striker in recent years, but they now have their guy as Balogun looks set to lead the line for years to come.

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AND WHAT'S MORE: His official commitment comes after months of flirting with U.S. Soccer, including a trip to Orlando where USMNT camp was being held.

WHAT NEXT FOR USMNT? Balogun could make his USMNT debut next month, when the Stars and Stripes face Mexico in the Nations League semifinals in Las Vegas on June 15. He could also be involved in the Gold Cup, which begins shortly after the Nations League concludes with the final on June 18.

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