Goalie duo Wanner and Chukwuemeka impress as they rise to prominence in Austrian squad!
Germany's Paul Wanner in action during the Men's U21 European Championship Qualifiers soccer match between Germany and Greece at the ad hoc Arena at Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld. Former German U21 national team player Paul Wanner has been named to Austria’s senior squad for the first time following his change of nationality. Jan Woitas/dpa Austria coach Ralf Rangnick named former Bayern Munich midfielder Paul Wanner and Borussia Dortmund player Carney Chukwuemeka in his squad on Monday after they both switched national allegiances.
The duo were called up for World Cup warm-ups in Vienna against Ghana on March 27 and South Korea on March 31. "We are pleased they have chosen us. During the training camp they now have the opportunity to put themselves forward for the World Cup.
Looking at the next 10 to 12 years, I am really convinced they will help us," Rangnick said. In early March, the 20-year-old Wanner announced his switch from Germany. The Austria-born player, who after spells at Bayern, Heidenheim and Elversberg is now at PSV Eindhoven, had previously gone through all of Germany’s youth national teams but never played for the senior side.
Only a few days later, Chukwuemeka, 22, also quit the England set-up having never played for the full team. Former Chelsea midfielder Chukwuemeka was born in Vienna but moved to Britain as a small child.