England’s Missed Opportunities: Players Who Chose Other Nations

England’s recent match against the Republic of Ireland highlighted the frustration over losing key players who once represented Ireland but now play for England. Fans in Dublin booed Declan Rice and Jack Grealish both former Republic of Ireland internationals. Rice had earned three senior caps for Ireland and Grealish had played up to the under-21 level before switching to England.

This situation prompts reflection on other players who might have joined England but chose different paths. Kasper Schmeichel born in Denmark but raised in England has represented Denmark 106 times. Aston Villa’s Matty Cash, born in Slough opted for Poland through his mother and has earned 15 caps. Wes Morgan, who won the Premier League with Leicester City played for Jamaica due to his grandparents’ heritage.

Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock originally an England C player, chose Jamaica and has been capped since 2021. Fulham’s Antonee Robinson born in Milton Keynes but with an American father, represents the US and has 46 caps having turned down an England Under-21 call-up. Scott McTominay born in Lancaster, represents Scotland due to his father’s heritage and has 53 caps.

Simone Perrotta born in Manchester but a World Cup winner with Italy built his career in Serie A. Jamal Musiala, a Bayern Munich star, represents Germany after playing for England at youth levels marking a significant loss for England. Jeremie Frimpong, who chose the Netherlands despite growing up in England and Gareth Bale, who opted for Wales over England despite his English heritage, further illustrate the complexity of player allegiance.

Lastly, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland born in Leeds chose Norway, reflecting on how different circumstances might have altered his path.