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Why is Saido Berahino playing for Burundi at AFCON and has former Stoke star played for England before?

SAIDO BERAHINO was one of England's hottest young prospects a few years ago.

Since then, it's fair to say he hasn't to lived up to expectations, but he will be playing on the international stage this summer.

 Berahino will be playing for Burundi at this summer's AFCON
Berahino will be playing for Burundi at this summer's AFCON

Rather than putting on the England jersey though, he'll be representing Burundi at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Why is Berahino playing for Burundi at AFCON?

Having lived in Burundi for the first ten years of his life, the Stoke forward only fled to England due to a civil war crisis, which saw his father killed.

Fleeing to England as just a boy, he initially decided to represent his new home on the international stage, hence his call-up to the national side in the 2014/15 season.

But poor form over the past few years means he currently stands no chance of getting into the England squad.

He didn't score for two years between 2016 and 2018, and only scored 3 goals in the Championship for Stoke last season.

Still wanting to represent a nation close to his heart though, the 25-year-old couldn't turn down the chance to play for his native Burundi, who he made his debut for in September 2018.

He scored in his first game too, ultimately helping his side to qualify for the 2019 AFCON, so he's made a good start to his international career for Burundi.

Has he ever played for England?

The forward excelled for the England U21s, scoring 10 goals in 11 matches.

He actually sits as the third highest goalscorer of all time for the side.

In 2014 he was voted player of the year for the team, after and he was even called up to the senior squad by Hodgson during the 2014/15 campaign for two matches, including a Euro 2016 qualifier.

While he did not make a senior appearance, he participated in training and made the bench.