Manchester United midfielder Adnan Januzaj is
being monitored by England, according to national
boss Roy Hodgson.
The Belgium-born 18-year-old scored twice on his full
debut as United came from behind to beat Sunderland
2-1 .
Januzaj has been at Old Trafford since 2011, and
Hodgson told Match of the Day he could one day play
for England.
"There's no doubt that he's a real talent and we have
our eyes on him but a lot will have to be discussed,"
said Hodgson.
"He's been with United for a long period of time and of
course that discussion will have to be seriously debated
before we start naturalising players.
"Yes [he could play for England] down the line if he
becomes naturalised or if he becomes a homegrown
product."
Januzaj, who is of Kosovan descent, is eligible to play for
several other countries including Belgium, Albania and
Turkey.
Manchester United boss David Moyes admitted in his
post-match news conference that the Football
Association had been in touch with the Old Trafford
club about Januzaj's eligibility.
"Yes. There is some way he has a chance of qualifying
for England through residency," said Moyes.
"I think he's got a choice of countries to play for. He's
got probably three or four different countries he could
choose to play for.
"Obviously, he has been called up by Belgium several
times and chosen not to at the moment, and he's
wanted by, I think, Albania, Croatia and a few others as
well."
United were trailing 1-0 at half-time against Sunderland
after midfielder Craig Gardner capitalised on poor
defending to give the hosts the lead after five minutes.
But Januzaj inspired a second-half turnaround, scoring
a 55th-minute equaliser by sliding in from Patrice
Evra's cross before volleying home the winner six
minutes later.
It was an impressive display from the youngster,
prompting Moyes to liken his emerging talent to that of
Wayne Rooney when the England striker first broke
through at Everton in 2002.
"He is a real talent," added Moyes.
"I gave Wayne Rooney and Ross Barkley their debuts at
Everton and he is certainly in their category too.
"He is someone who we think a lot of and I have tried
to get him in the team over the last few weeks but for
various reasons it did not happen.
"He is a really good player, he can do most things and
play in lots of different positions."
United are currently in discussions with Januzaj over a
new long-term contract, with his current deal expiring
at the end of the season.
Asked about the latest on those talks, Moyes said: "I
think all young boys want to play for Manchester
United.
"I don't know a better place to do their work and have
the coaching at a club that promotes young players.
"If I was the dad of a young player who had the chance
to go to Manchester United I would think 'he could get
in the first team because that's a club that promotes
young players.' And hopefully he would see a manager
that promotes young players because that's part of my
remit."
Januzaj's goalscoring display also eased the pressure on
Moyes following successive league defeats by West
Bromwich Albion and Manchester City.
The win moved United up to ninth in the Premier
League, six points behind leaders Liverpool.
"I am pleased we have won, but I am not going to get
too excited," said Moyes.
"We needed it [the win] but I wasn't getting too low. I
thought it was exciting and I enjoyed it today."
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