10 Greatest Players Who Could've Played for England in Football History [Ranked]

Introduction

In the realm of football, international allegiance often hinges on birthplace, familial ties, or personal preference. However, history has witnessed numerous exceptional players who, due to circumstances beyond their control, were denied the opportunity to represent their desired nations. England, a football powerhouse, has been no exception to this phenomenon, with several world-class players slipping through the cracks over the years.

10. Alfredo Di Stéfano

Born in Argentina, Di Stéfano's footballing journey took him to Real Madrid, where he became a legend. Despite his desire to play for England, he never received a call-up due to FIFA's strict eligibility rules at the time.

9. Ferenc Puskás

Another Hungarian legend, Puskás also expressed a desire to play for England. However, his defection to Spain during the Cold War made him ineligible for international football until he was 39.

8. Eusébio

Born in Mozambique, Eusébio represented Portugal but always held a special place in his heart for England. His performances for Benfica and Portugal earned him global recognition, but he never had the chance to pull on the Three Lions shirt.

7. George Best

Northern Ireland's most famous footballing export, Best was courted by England but remained loyal to his birthplace. His exceptional skills and flamboyant lifestyle made him a global icon, but he never tasted international success with Northern Ireland.

6. Bobby Moore

A pillar of England's 1966 World Cup-winning team, Moore could have easily played for Scotland or Northern Ireland due to his family's heritage. However, he remained steadfast in his allegiance to England and became one of its greatest defenders.

5. Kenny Dalglish

A Scottish footballing legend, Dalglish was born in Glasgow but could have played for England through his mother. Despite speculation about a potential switch, he remained loyal to Scotland and enjoyed a glittering career with Celtic and Liverpool.

4. Gareth Bale

Wales' all-time leading scorer, Bale has long been linked with a move to England, but his deep-rooted Welsh identity has kept him committed to his homeland. His performances for Tottenham and Real Madrid have solidified his status as one of the greatest British players of his generation.

3. Ryan Giggs

Another Welsh legend, Giggs was born in Cardiff but could have played for England through his father. However, he opted to represent Wales and became one of the most decorated players in British football history.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, Ronaldo was born in Portugal but has expressed a desire to play for England, where he has spent a significant portion of his career with Manchester United. However, his Portuguese heritage and loyalty to his homeland have kept him from switching allegiances.

1. Roy Keane

Born in Cork, Ireland, Keane could have played for England through his mother. However, his strong Irish identity and desire to represent his birthplace led him to become one of Ireland's greatest midfielders.

Conclusion

The 10 players featured on this list represent a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been for England. Their exceptional talent and international eligibility could have elevated the Three Lions to even greater heights. While fate and circumstance prevented them from donning the English shirt, their contributions to football remain indelible, leaving an enduring mark on the sport's history.