England are one of the best nations in world football right now. Thomas Tuchel has a plethora of world-class players at his disposal, including Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.
The three aforementioned players chose to represent England over other nations. All three qualified to represent the Republic of Ireland, while Bellingham was also able to play for Kenya.
Rice even represented Ireland at youth level and even made three appearances for their first team before switching allegiances to England.
While the trio chose to play for England, others who were eligible to play for the Three Lions have snubbed them in favour of other countries.
With that in mind, GiveMeSport have named the 15 best footballers in the world right now that could have played for England but chose not to.
15-11
Folarin Balogun in action for the United States at the 2026 World CupIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Kiyoshi Mio
Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu, who was born in Exeter, was eligible to represent England, Republic of Ireland, Ghana and Wales. He chose the latter.
Folarin Balogun was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Nigerian parents. He spent his entire youth in England as he grew up in London. He represented England at various age groups, but was convinced to change allegiances to the United States in 2023.
Brennan Johnson and Alex Iwobi were both born in England but chose to represent Wales and Nigeria respectively.
Harry Wilson was born in Wrexham, Wales, but qualified for England through an English grandfather. Wales made the decision to tie him down early as he made his debut for the Dragons aged 16, making him the nation's youngest ever player.
15 Best Footballers That Chose to Represent Other Countries Over England (15-11)
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10-6
Scott McTominay in action for Scotland at the 2026 World CupIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/David Butler Ii
Antonee Robinson was born in Milton Keynes and raised in Liverpool, but he chose to play for the United States. He would probably have played for England multiple times in the past few years, given England's issues at left-back.
Felix Nmecha was born in Germany but moved to England at age six. He played for both Germany and England at youth level but eventually committed to the country of his birth.
Aston Villa defender Matty Cash is of Polish descent through his mother, who was born in the UK to Polish parents. Despite being born in Slough and spending his whole life in England, he decided to represent the White-Reds.
Jeremie Frimpong was born in Amsterdam but moved to England at age seven. He never had any intention of playing for The Three Lions, though.
Ademola Lookman's story is truly inspirational. Born in Wandsworth, he was playing Sunday League football until the age of 16 when Charlton Athletic spotted him. He has risen through the ranks and, despite playing 11 times for England U21s, switched allegiances to Nigeria in 2022.
15 Best Footballers That Chose to Represent Other Countries Over England (10-6)
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5-1
Erling Haaland in action for NorwayInts Kalnins Via Reuters
Each of the top five would undoubtedly have been in England's 26-man squad for the World Cup. You could make a case that all of them would start, too.
Scott McTominay has reached a whole new level after leaving Manchester United for Napoli. He was born in England but qualifies for Scotland through his father, and ultimately decided to represent the latter.
Antoine Semenyo has enjoyed an extraordinary rise in recent years. In 2018, he was playing for National League South outfit Bath City. In 2026, after excelling for Bournemouth, he completed a £64 million to Manchester City. He never represented England at any level before making his Ghana debut in 2022, while he was playing Championship football with Bristol City.
Jamal Musiala was born in Stuttgart, Germany, before moving to England at the age of seven. Learning his trade at Chelsea, he represented England at multiple levels up until the U21s. However, he moved back to Germany in 2019 as he joined Bayern Munich and ultimately decided to represent the country of his birth.
Michael Olise is arguably the world's best winger. He enjoyed an incredible debut season at Bayern Munich in 2025/26 as he recorded 53 goal contributions (22 goals and 31 assists) in just 52 matches. He was eligible to represent France, Algeria, England or Nigeria at international level. Despite being born in England and spending his whole childhood in the country, he elected to play for Les Bleus.
The best player right now that could have represented England - but chose not to - is Erling Haaland. The lethal striker was born in England while his father, Alfie, was playing for Leeds. He moved back to Norway at age 3 and ultimately decided to represent The Vikings.
15 Best Footballers That Chose to Represent Other Countries Over England (5-1)
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1