China Turns to Naturalized Players to Save World Cup Hopes

China on Monday named five foreign-born players for critical World Cup qualifiers starting later this month as the world's most populous country steps up its controversial naturalization policy.

China, who have big ambitions but are perennial underachievers ranked 77th in the world, began drafting in players born overseas in 2019 in a quick fix to reach the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Coach Li Tie has picked a 26-man squad that includes a trio of offensive players originally from Brazil -- Elkeson, Fernando Henrique and Alan Carvalho. Also included is their Guangzhou FC teammate Tyias Browning, the former Everton central defender who was born in Liverpool and played for England youth teams.