With Declan Rice making his debut for England after winning 3 caps for the Republic of Ireland, the question over whether it is right for this to be allowed has risen again.
My question is should it be more open to those eligible to play for more than one national team?
One scenario, relevant to the Rice case, would be a young player choosing a national side then regretting it later. Should teenagers have to make such a big choice with no chance to rethink when older?
The second scenario would be an older player who has had one international career end, but still more than good enough to play for another international side he is eligible for. Think Jerome Boateng being discarded by Germany, but being better than anything Ghana have.
Now, I am not suggesting free movement - play for one national side one week and another the next. I am thinking more of World Cup cycles. So a player can declare for one national side from the start of qualification for one World Cup, and then for another 4 years later.
This could open the door for 'lesser' football nations to grab hold of some top players who have previously played for more illustrious countries.
I get the argument that players should be honoured to play for their country, and playing for 2 might devalue this. However, it is true to say many people embrace more than one aspect of their heritage. Someone born in Britain to African parents can still have great love for both the UK and their ancestral African home.
Why can't someone who hasn't played for his country of choice for a few years play for another country he is eligible for? Are we forcing beliefs on people by making them make that choice?
Should players be allowed to switch?
posted on 25/3/19
comment by puffinthebushkangaroo (U1950)
posted 3 hours, 48 minutes ago
comment by Gillespie Road. (U18361)
posted 4 hours, 54 minutes ago
comment by puffinthebushkangaroo (U1950)
posted 1 hour, 33 minutes ago
If you remember Alfredo di Stefano played for 3 countries.
What about during a game, could a player change countries at half time.
Quiz Question
Who played for Arsenal in the morning and Spurs in the afternoon ON THE SAME DAY ?
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Can't be that many players who have made the move from Arsenal to Tottenham.
Tell me if I'm getting warm, because a quick internet search brought up Rohan Ricketts, David Jenkins, Laurie Brown, Jimmy Brain and Gallas.
But knowing this site, I bet you're probably talking about Harry Kane.
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Answer is ..........The Metropolitan Police Band
Boom boom
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Nicely done.
posted on 25/3/19
Boarders aren’t really real and neither is ‘countries’ DJ wants us to come home to the unique flavour of shattering the grand illusion, and it’s going over most people’s heads, as usual.
posted on 25/3/19
Choice is important
posted on 25/3/19
comment by Choice City (U6187)
posted 7 hours, 20 minutes ago
Boarders aren’t really real and neither is ‘countries’ DJ wants us to come home to the unique flavour of shattering the grand illusion, and it’s going over most people’s heads, as usual.
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Boarders are real and should pay, costs money to keep and feed someone.
Snowboarders are nuisance getting in the way of skiiers.
posted on 25/3/19
I wouldn't have any issue with it. I'm sure it's fine in a lot of sports with no problems
posted on 25/3/19
Up the Ra
posted on 25/3/19
Zero, Rice is a caaaant
posted on 25/3/19
if the country where the player lives no longer need or want him then he should be able to play for the country of his birth. why not?
posted on 25/3/19
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 2 hours ago
Up the Ra
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Ooft.
posted on 25/3/19
comment by Flashy flibble (U10324)
posted 6 hours, 57 minutes ago
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 2 hours ago
Up the Ra
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Ooft.
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Just quoting the man himself