The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and with it, the excitement of witnessing the world's best football players in action. But have you ever wondered who could have played for England, had they chosen to do so? This article explores some of the stars who could have represented the Three Lions, but instead, are now playing for other nations.
A Star-Studded List
Erling Haaland (Norway): Born in Leeds to a Norwegian father, Haaland could have been an English international. However, he moved to Norway at a young age and has since become a key player for the Norwegian national team, scoring 60 goals in 53 games.
Marvin Keller (Switzerland): A London-born goalkeeper, Keller came through the youth system at Grasshoppers. He is now a first-choice keeper for Switzerland, despite his eligibility for England.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo): Wan-Bissaka, a London-born defender, represented England at under-20 and under-21 levels. However, he switched to DR Congo in 2025, a decision that has likely impacted his international career.
Antonee Robinson (USA): Born in Milton Keynes and raised on Merseyside, Robinson is a product of the Everton youth system. His father, however, was born in New York and raised in England, which led to Robinson committing to the USA in 2018.
Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo): Tuanzebe, a graduate of Manchester United's academy, was born in DR Congo but moved to England as a child. He made one appearance for England Under-21s before switching to DR Congo.
Scott McTominay (Scotland): McTominay, a Lancashire-born midfielder, has become a central player for Scotland. He made 255 appearances for Manchester United after coming through their academy, but his career took off when he switched to Napoli in 2024.
Felix Nmecha (Germany): Nmecha, the son of a German mother and a Nigerian father, was born in Hamburg but moved to England with his family in 2007. He played for both Germany and England at youth international level before committing to Germany.
Antoine Semenyo (Ghana): Semenyo, a London-born midfielder, developed his career exclusively in England. However, his Ghanaian parents and upbringing led him to support the Ghana national side, and he made his first appearance for the Black Stars in 2022.
Jamal Musiala (Germany): Musiala, an attacking midfielder, moved to England at the age of seven and spent much of his childhood in the UK. He played for England from under-15 to under-21 levels but opted to represent Germany after moving to Bayern Munich in 2020.
Michael Olise (France): Olise, a London-born midfielder, had a choice of four international sides due to his British-Nigerian father and French-Algerian mother. He opted to represent France, making his senior debut just over a month after his move to Bayern Munich in 2024.
Folarin Balogun (USA): Balogun, an Arsenal academy product, was born when his mother was on a trip to New York and could have played for England or Nigeria. He played for both the USA and England at under-18 level before committing to the USA in 2023.
These players, each with their unique stories, highlight the complex web of international football eligibility and the personal choices that shape a player's career. It's a fascinating insight into the global nature of the sport and the diverse paths that players can take.
