Why Matty Cash plays for Poland: Aston Villa star at World Cup against France after gaining citizenship last year

Aston Villa star Matty Cash is at the 2022 World Cup but he won’t be there to represent England.

Cash is part of Poland’s 26-man squad for the showpiece tournament in Qatar and is a regular in the Polish starting XI.

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The right-back was born in Slough in England and has spent his whole career playing the domestic leagues with Nottingham Forest and Villa. 

So why is he now playing for Poland at the World Cup? 

Why is Matty Cash playing for Poland? 

In October 2021, Cash was granted Polish citizenship through his mother and late grandfather, who was born in Poland. 

He had already spoken to the Polish FA three years prior before more recent talks with president Cerny Kulesza led to him switching international allegiance.

After his switch was approved, the 25-year-old tweeted: “This is a very important and proud day for me and my family. My application to get a Polish citizenship has been approved by Polish authorities.

“I would like to thank the president, my family and other people who helped me.

“Now it’s time for a new challenge. I will give my all for this country.”

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A month later, Cash received his first call-up to the Poland team for their World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Hungary. 

He would go on to appear in both games and gain a further five caps this year, scoring his first goal for his country against the Netherlands in the Nations League. 

Now Cash is in Qatar to play on football’s biggest stage and represent the country which is deeply ingrained in his family.