Would Arsenal’s star’s inclusion be of benefit to the national team?

TF90M's James Bailey wonders if
Manuel Almunia would actually benefit our 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 criticized 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! 

Click Here to visit TF90M

GUARANTEED PROFIT OF AT
LEAST £39.00 ON NEWCASTLE v MIDDLESBROUGH