Former Chelsea star chooses Thailand national team, not England national team
FIFA approved the transfer of federations, striker Jude Soonsup-Bell (Grimsby Town) chose to wear the Thai national team shirt, aiming for a friendly match with Singapore and the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against Sri Lanka.
Jude Soonsup-Bell, a striker for Grimsby Town (League Two), confirmed his choice to play for Thailand despite admitting that there is still a chance for England. The decision comes after completing his naturalisation and receiving FIFA approval to change federations. He joined up with Thailand for FIFA Day in November, preparing for a friendly against Singapore and the fifth match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Sri Lanka.
Reasons for choosing Thailand: pride and career opportunities
"I received a message from someone close to me telling me that I had been selected for the Thai national team," Soonsup-Bell said. "I was very excited at first and sent messages to my mother and family. I was very happy to represent my country. This is a very important opportunity in my football career. I want to do my best for my future."
He added: "After talking with my family, I am very proud to represent my country and represent the Thai national team this time. Although I had the opportunity to play for England, I chose to play for Thailand and am ready to give my all."
Tactical analysis: English academy background, perspective on Thai playing style
Soonsup-Bell came through the academies of Chelsea and Tottenham, experiencing the high-energy game of League Two. He describes the difference: "Spanish football is very technical... League Two and Grimsby are more about physicality, power and speed."
With the Thai national team, the 21-year-old striker noted: "Through training with the Thai national team, I see that the players in the team have a similar playing style to Spanish football, possessing both physical strength and power." These comments suggest a positive integration between his technical foundation and playing intensity with the Thai national team's control and flexible movement style.
Short-term and long-term goals
Soonsup-Bell has a clear short-term goal: "Win the friendly against Singapore and hopefully have a positive impact on the game against Sri Lanka." In the long term, he says: "My long-term goal, like everyone else in the Thai team, is to qualify for the next round of the World Cup. I intend to maintain my form and help the team win every game."
| Event | Competitor | Note |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA Day Friendly November | Singapore | Prepare the match pace |
| Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers (5th match) | Sri Lanka | Aim to make a positive impact |
Legal framework: FIFA confirms eligibility
Regarding the procedure, the Football Association of Thailand announced that FIFA has confirmed Jude Sunsap Belle is eligible to play for the national team. Before that, this player completed the naturalization process and transferred the federation according to FIFA regulations.
Short profile: journey from academy to national team
- Born in 2003, 21 years old; born in England to a British father and a Thai mother.
- England youth team: U15 to U19 2019–2021.
- Club level: Chelsea (2021/22 season), first-team debut in Carabao Cup against Brentford; moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 2023.
- Currently playing for Grimsby Town (League Two, 4th division England).
Perspective
Soonsup-Bell’s decision to choose Thailand ties national pride to a clear career path: a team environment where he believes in the harmony between technique and fitness. With the schedule looming and his ambition to reach new heights, the 21-year-old striker’s chance to show his worth begins as early as November.
