FIFA block Allardyce’s attempt to call up Sevilla midfielder

Sam Allardyce has revealed his attempts to bring Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi into his first England squad was blocked by FIFA, reports The Daily Telegraph.

N’Zonzi, 27, has never been capped by France at senior level and has five years of residency in England under his belt after being signed by Allardyce at Blackburn in 2009 before then moving to Stoke.

However, the Sevilla midfielder’s hopes of playing full international football have been dashed after FIFA rejected their advances because N’Zonzi played for France’s Under-21s seven years ago.

In the last two years only three Sevilla players have won more aerial duels in La Liga than N’Zonzi (75).

For more stats on Steven N’Zonzi, click here to visit his WhoScored player page