Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has confirmed left-sided ace Charles N’Zogbia is ready to turn his back on France now he is eligible to play for England (11/2 World Cup Outright) on residency grounds.

The former France Under-21 international, who can play in defence or midfield, has never been capped at senior level by his home nation and having spent enough time in England since joining Newcastle as a teenager, the 23-year-old could be called up by coach Fabio Capello.

Whether or not Three Lions fans would look at such a move kindly remains to be seen, but Latics chief Martinez has revealed N’Zogbia is open to a change of allegiance.

“I asked Charles the other day about England and he said he was hoping. I think he is definitely open to playing for England,” said Martinez.

“I thought he wanted to play for France but he’s been living in England so long now he’s ready to represent whichever country asks him.

“He’s only 23 and hasn’t peaked yet – he’s certainly got the potential to get into the England squad.”