Capello panders to public opinion

Fabio Capello ruled out picking Manuel Almunia for England.

The 32-year-old Spanish born keeper is now a British citizen and there has been speculation that he would consider playing for England. Almunia himself has said repeatedly that he would want to be "accepted" before considering such a move.

Capello is now reacting to the lack of acceptance that is being played out in the media and from very direct comments by players such as Rio Ferdinand.

Capello said: "He is Spanish."

"He is Spanish and plays for Arsenal.

"I know who my World Cup keeper will be.

Capello made an error of judgement in saying what he said. He said it to please the English media. The FACT is Almunia is a British citizen and that makes him eligible to play for England.

It is Capello's decision to pick him or not pick him but it is not Capello's place to decide nationality. British nationality laws, birthplace and parental linkage decide nationality and the application of person for considering is a decision on their identity. It should have been enough for Capello to say he is not considering picking him but not that he sees Almunia as non-English. He cannot decide Almunia's identity.

Nationality is complex subject that coaches should never get drawn to. The law decides. Wenger constantly talks about his duty to the club. Capello's duty is to the success of the national team – not public opinion.

England might do well to look at the experience of other countries who have played players that have committed to the country of their choice and citizenship. France has won the World Cup with such players. Croatia, Portugal and Spain have been successful with foreign born or foreign parent players.

I wouldn't like Almunia to be the subject of animosity and blame so I would rather he was not picked. A good reason for not picking him would be that he would not be accepted by the team. But not because the coach has decided his identity in spite of the fact that the player himself has sought another identity.

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