TF90M wonders if Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia would actually benefit the England national side.
Terry Butcher. John Barnes. Owen Hargreaves. The connection?
All three England international stars were in fact not born in the aforementioned nation.
With Arsenal shot-stopper Manuel Almunia having previously stated his wish to play for England, should he not receive a call-up from European Champions Spain first, the keeper could soon be added to that list. Almunia would reportedly qualify for the national side if he elects to gain British citizenship in July 2009, having spent five years residence in the United Kingdom.
However politics aside, would Almunia benefit the England national side?
The 31-year-old, who has cemented himself as Arsenal's number one following Jens Lehmann's departure from North London, impressed many with his recent display at Old Trafford. Furthermore he has captained The Gunners on a number of occasions and his big-match experience surpasses that of any of his England rivals.
David James, 39 this year, whilst proving his ability throughout the seasons is constantly criticised for sloppy errors. Nicknamed ‘Calamity James' the Portsmouth keeper has firmly established himself as Fabio Capello's number one despite concerns over his ever increasing age.
Scott Carson hasn't made the progress expected and could be playing in the Championship next season. Although he became the first West Bromwich Albion player to play for England for 24 years, his international quality is doubted, displayed by the costly mistake against Croatia which in turn cost Steve McClaren his job.
Ben Foster has spent too much time as deputy to Edwin Van der Sar at Manchester United and although showing glimpses of his ability in Carling Cup fixtures, an England keeper surely has to play week-in week-out in the domestic game.
Paul Robinson, once England's preferred keeping option, has since fallen out of favour. Now at Ewood Park, playing for Blackburn Rovers, the possibility still remains that Robinson may one day regain his role as England's number one. However confidence is still crucial.
On evaluation it is apparent England lacks the quality and quantity such nations as Spain possess in the goalkeeper category.
Whilst a new keeper does need to be identified as James can't continue forever, Almunia isn't error free himself. His performance in the first leg of the Champions League encounter with Manchester United may have highlighted his abilities, yet during the second leg it was his bad positioning on the free kick that led to Ronaldo's goal.
Almunia has throughout his time at Arsenal demonstrated he is useful when it comes to saving penalties, though the feeling amongst English fans remains indifferent when it comes to the issue of a Spaniard playing with the three lions upon his chest. And anyway England can't have a good spot-kick saver - that would ruin the penalty heartbreak we enjoy so much every four years!
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