England are one of the best nations in world football right now. Thomas Tuchel has a plethora of world-class players at his disposal, including Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.

The three aforementioned players chose to represent England over other nations. All three qualified to represent the Republic of Ireland, while Bellingham was also able to play for Kenya.

Rice even represented Ireland at youth level and even made three appearances for their first team before switching allegiances to England.

While the trio chose to play for England, others who were eligible to play for the Three Lions have snubbed them in favour of other countries.

With that in mind, GiveMeSport have named the 15 best footballers in the world right now that could have played for England but chose not to.

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IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Kiyoshi Mio

Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu, who was born in Exeter, was eligible to represent England, Republic of Ireland, Ghana and Wales. He chose the latter.

Folarin Balogun was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Nigerian parents. He spent his entire youth in England as he grew up in London. He represented England at various age groups, but was convinced to change allegiances to the United States in 2023.

Brennan Johnson and Alex Iwobi were both born in England but chose to represent Wales and Nigeria respectively.

Harry Wilson was born in Wrexham, Wales, but qualified for England through an English grandfather. Wales made the decision to tie him down early as he made his debut for the Dragons aged 16, making him the nation’s youngest ever player.

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IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/David Butler Ii

Antonee Robinson was born in Milton Keynes and raised in Liverpool, but he chose to play for the United States. He would probably have played for England multiple times in the past few years, given England’s issues at left-back.

Felix Nmecha was born in Germany but moved to England at age six. He played for both Germany and England at youth level but eventually committed to the country of his birth.

Aston Villa defender Matty Cash is of Polish descent through his mother, who was born in the UK to Polish parents. Despite being born in Slough and spending his whole life in England, he decided to represent the White-Reds.

Jeremie Frimpong was born in Amsterdam but moved to England at age seven. He never had any intention of playing for The Three Lions, though.

Ademola Lookman’s story is truly inspirational. Born in Wandsworth, he was playing Sunday League football until the age of 16 when Charlton Athletic spotted him. He has risen through the ranks and, despite playing 11 times for England U21s, switched allegiances to Nigeria in 2022.

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Ints Kalnins Via Reuters

Each of the top five would undoubtedly have been in England’s 26-man squad for the World Cup. You could make a case that all of them would start, too.

Scott McTominay has reached a whole new level after leaving Manchester United for Napoli. He was born in England but qualifies for Scotland through his father, and ultimately decided to represent the latter.

Antoine Semenyo has enjoyed an extraordinary rise in recent years. In 2018, he was playing for National League South outfit Bath City. In 2026, after excelling for Bournemouth, he completed a £64 million to Manchester City. He never represented England at any level before making his Ghana debut in 2022, while he was playing Championship football with Bristol City.

Jamal Musiala was born in Stuttgart, Germany, before moving to England at the age of seven. Learning his trade at Chelsea, he represented England at multiple levels up until the U21s. However, he moved back to Germany in 2019 as he joined Bayern Munich and ultimately decided to represent the country of his birth.

Michael Olise is arguably the world’s best winger. He enjoyed an incredible debut season at Bayern Munich in 2025/26 as he recorded 53 goal contributions (22 goals and 31 assists) in just 52 matches. He was eligible to represent France, Algeria, England or Nigeria at international level. Despite being born in England and spending his whole childhood in the country, he elected to play for Les Bleus.

The best player right now that could have represented England – but chose not to – is Erling Haaland. The lethal striker was born in England while his father, Alfie, was playing for Leeds. He moved back to Norway at age 3 and ultimately decided to represent The Vikings.

Tottenham are set to make a concrete offer to sign a new forward in the summer transfer window, according to reports from Germany.

In the opening weeks of the summer, Tottenham heavily focused on strengthening their defence after a disappointing few years.

Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson both arrived at the club on free transfers, adding experience and defensive solidity to Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

Attention has quickly turned to strengthening their midfield and attack, with Spurs looking to bring in reinforcements in multiple positions this summer.

After finishing 17th in the Premier League two seasons on the bounce, new additions are needed, especially if they want to help De Zerbi fully implement his style of play.

Tottenham Set to Make Offer for New Forward

According to a report from Bild in Germany, Tottenham are set to make a concrete offer to sign Koln forward Said El Mala in the summer transfer window.

De Zerbi is believed to be very fond of the attacker, who enjoyed a phenomenal season in the Bundesliga despite being just 19 years old.

El Mala, who has been described as a ‘one in a million talent’, contributed 17 goals and assists combined in what was his first season playing top-flight football.

El Mala’s versatility could attract Tottenham to the German youngster. He’s predominantly played on the left-hand side of attack during his career, but can also play on the right, through the middle as a number 10, and even as a centre forward.

The 19-year-old was close to joining Brentford, but he has informed the club that he doesn’t want to join, despite having an agreement. That means his future is completely open again.

Tottenham Working on Multiple Deals

GIVEMESPORT sources have confirmed that Tottenham are willing to pay in the region of £85m to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali in the summer transfer window.

De Zerbi in particular is pushing to bring the Italian midfielder to North London, with Spurs already holding talks with Tonali.

Spurs have also reached an agreement with Brighton over a move to sign Jan Paul van Hecke in a £52m deal.

Tottenham certainly aren’t messing around after already bringing Senesi and Robertson to the club as they look to head back in the right direction after a difficult couple of years.

England’s starting XI for their 2026 World Cup opener against Croatia has been leaked with the match just a few hours away.

The Three Lions, considered one of the favourites to win this summer’s competition in North America, will get their campaign underway on Wednesday evening when they take on Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The starting 11 that Thomas Tuchel will field for the match against Vatreni has now been leaked, with the German making some big calls.

According to talkSPORT, Jordan Pickford will be the man between the sticks. There’s no surprise there, with the Everton stopper widely expected to be England’s starting goalkeeper throughout the tournament.

The supremely talented Nico O’Reilly will start at left-back, while Chelsea captain Reece James will start on the opposite side.

Perhaps surprisingly, Marc Guehi will start the match on the bench, with John Stones and Ezri Konsa preferred in the centre of defence.

As expected, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson will start in the middle of midfield. There were huge question marks as to who would start as the number 10, but it is Jude Bellingham who has reportedly been given the nod over Morgan Rogers.

Anthony Gordon will start on the left wing, while, surprisingly, Noni Madueke will start instead of Bukayo Saka on the right of England’s three-man attack. Saka has been dealing with an Achilles issue in the last few months.

Harry Kane was always going to be in the lineup and he starts up front. The 32-year-old, who was sensational for Bayern Munich this season, will be integral to England’s hopes at this summer’s tournament.

More to follow…