I think the pint trying to be made is that Almunia could be classed as an 'imported' Englishman. I personally think where you are born doesn't really matter, as long as you only have English nationality through parents, and no further back. As for a manger, there are so many foreign coaches that we don't seem to see English coaches coming through to the top division anymore. Maybe there should be a rule that each club can only have 4 foreigners on their staff at one time, which includes the manager. I wish I knew the answer, but while I want England to do well, I am finding it increasingly difficult to muster up any enthusiasm for them at all <shrugs shoulders>
Anyway off track! England Captain! So far we've had Scott Parker Frankie dettori Fabregas Suarez Almunia and bob Geldof Now THATS a come dine with me special!
I must say, I'm very disappointed! I had a valid point to make if the thread had stayed sensible, but I will not post a serious point on a thread that has been reduced to kindergarten standard!
It's all very well spouting all this **** about Alumnia - even though I agree he qualifies- but surely the captain has to be someone who actually gets picked to play!
Back to the OP, I couldn't give a monkeys tbh. I haven't cared about the National team for years ever since they appointed that Swedish clown as manager. It made a complete mockery of our claims to being a major footballing country. John Terry should remain captain as far as I'm concerned because when I last looked he hasn't been found guilty of any charges.
He doesn't qualify, it was being said that Almunia could play for england if he took english citizen ship which he was eligible for having worked in the UK for 5 years, at that point he would have been (legally) english. However it is possible for an english player not to be english so long as a Welsh, Scottish or northan irish person went to school in england they are eligible to play for england as there is no legal difference between british citizens. had these rules been implemented a few decades ago Giggs could have played for england and Michael owen could have played for wales.
I was just replying to a question.......................CALM DOWN DEAR. perhaps those that wish to chose their captain should wait until the squad is named so as not to upset Dave...
Seems obvious to me! Whether or not Almunia is eligible to play or not, he is not good enough to get picked for the team!
WEIGHTY. AS HE HAS LIVED HERE 5 YEARS WOULD HIS CITIZEN SHIP BE ENGLISH OR A CITIZEN OF GREAT BRITAIN . HENCE ALLOWING HIM TO PLAY FOR SCOTLAND IF HE CHOOSES .