Mikel Arteta says he would consider England

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Something that's been bothering me of late is this whole Mikel Arteta issue about playing for England. He's been in country long enough, apparently, too qualify to do so. So I put it to you forum, should we allow foreigners into our squad?

My personal view is quite clear, NO. The England National Team is exactly what it says, players who are ENGLISH representing their country. It's saying something about the quality of English players when he have to use Spaniards to help us win things!

In cricket England is becoming dominated by players born in South Africa and now they're amongst the main stars for England. However this is wrong! They're South African so they should represent South Africa not England.

[chrismada9 1,948]

I've read about this as well. Manuel Almunia is also eligable for England.

I get your point of the fact that the whole squad is meant to be English. It shouldn't be about that, it should be about their ability. I have to say, he'd be a good addition. He's played in England for 5 years so he has plenty of experience. Would prove to be an excellent playmaker for us, something I don't think we have in the England squad.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

I've read about this as well. Manuel Almunia is also eligable for England.

I get your point of the fact that the whole squad is meant to be English. It shouldn't be about that, it should be about their ability. I have to say, he'd be a good addition. He's played in England for 5 years so he has plenty of experience. Would prove to be an excellent playmaker for us, something I don't think we have in the England squad.

Thing is if we allowed Arteta it would certainly start some sort of wave across England. Then every foreign player who's yet to make an international appearance will try to get into the England squad, it once again hampers the English youth development here. Arteta is a brilliant player, it's a shame he can't breakthrough into the Spanish squad. But I just think at the end of the day, if you're not English then you shouldn't play for the England squad. Then English youth will go abroad because they'll think they'll never be able to break through.

[BRMC 12]

I think he would get in to the first team probably at lamps expense. I know other countries like Germany do it but i cant see us going for it, as shit as we are at times lets keep it as just the englishmen. That being said i wouldnt boo him if he did play for us i really like him.

[BRMC 12]

Had Hargreaves even lived in England prior to him playing for the national team?

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Had Hargreaves even lived in England prior to him playing for the national team?

Nope. His father was English so he played through that connection

[zolayes 14,489]

not for england but would be happy to have him sign for us ,,have always rated him

[Duppy Conqueror 1,494]

well the French have done it for years..infact i don`t think they`ve ever won anything with an entirely french squad...players from Senegal,Algeria,Morrocco,Tunisia etc...

and of course the German and Dutch have also played many with questionable nationalities..and both had players like that in this summers WC.

the Rep of Ireland...tho being a country where many of the natives hate the English..well in the Jack Charlton era they had more English than Irish...tho to be fair to them,they don`t have their own major league to pick players from.

all that being said tho...no thanks...i`d rather England lose with English players than win with non-English.

would not be the first time a Non-English player has played for England tho..John Barnes,our very own Tony Dorigo...Gary Bailey was South African wasn`t he?

[We Hate Scouse 10,286]

I'd happily welcome him into the England team. Fantastic player!

[Peace. 4,352]

well the French have done it for years..infact i don`t think they`ve ever won anything with an entirely french squad...players from Senegal,Algeria,Morrocco,Tunisia etc...

No, your wrong man.

All the players from the France squad have the french nationality because they were born in France or they have move to France at an early age.

In anyway the Arteta's case is the same thing.... Don't mix up.

[Madmax 9,219]

Well I'm not English, but I'm against the idea of naturalised players.

[Kez 2,727]

Foreign players should not be allowed in the squad just as i think the manager should not be foreign either. It's the ENGLAND national team and should stay that way.