Source: London_Paper
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia unlikely to play for England
FABIO CAPELLO has told Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia he is unlikely to be considered for England.
Spaniard Almunia, who has never been called up for his own country, has said he would consider opting for England instead once he becomes a British citizen.
The 32-year-old, who was born in Pamplona, qualifies for citizenship now he has spent five years living in the country ? and he also has an English wife.
With David James and Ben Foster injured and only Robert Green available to play against Holland today, there have been widespread rumours the Gunners star could soon be given a chance.
In fact bookmakers William Hill yesterday had him as 8-1 fourth favourite to be England?s goalkeeper at the next World Cup.
"There is no doubting Almunia's talent, and given the constant injury woes that seem to be plaguing England's goalkeepers he could well get the call up," said Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.
But Capello has now poured cold water on the idea.
When asked if he would pick Almunia the England boss said: ?Almunia, for me, is Spanish. He's Spanish and plays for the Arsenal team.?
If that is bad news for Almunia it is good news for West Ham's Green, who has suddenly moved up the pecking order and has a real chance to become England?s number one.
But he could still find Portsmouth star James tough to overhaul. The former Hammers and Liverpool man, still not 100 per cent following surgery on his shoulder, has been number one throughout Capello?s time in charge. And when asked if he was worried that he didn?t know who his keeper would be in South Africa the England boss was enigmatic, but revealing.
He raised his eyebrows and said: ?You think so? I know who it will be. Yes. Ok??
Should Almunia be considered for England? Let us know what you think?
