In Reply to: I still don't understand why they refuse to field a UK team posted by blindness on July 06, 2026 at 10:55:07
International teams have eligibility requirements that can result in players having options. Balogun is a great example: he had a choice between America, England or Nigeria for example. Born in the US, raised in England of Nigerian parents. He played for England at under 17. He then played a tournament for under 18 for USA, then again played for England under 18s and 21s. He switched to team USA because of the exposure and the fact he would make the senior team where his pathway was blocked for England.
Declan Rice started his international career for the Republic of Ireland (due to grandparents), before getting a nod from England.
So a lot of it is player choice - an Irish or Scottish player who might be eligible might not make the England team, or might prefer to represent a country where you cannot buy a vowel.