Would you represent a country you were not born in?

[LE19]

I'd play, but I wouldn't sing the national anthem.

 

[fork me]

I think the main influencer in his decision is a chance to play at the highest level in the biggest footballing event in the world. I think if I were given the same opportunity to play in the world cup...for Luxembourg...I would probably do the same thing!

I met the Luxembourg rugby squad over here when they played Cyprus, they were pretty much all either English or French.

 

[Weststander]

I wouldn't feel unpatriotic in representing either:

the dutch womens hockey team, or
one of the womens beach volleyball teams,

as their team masseur.

 

[Bladders]

Mmmm, I actually couldn't care less where my ancestors are from, I care where I'm from and that's England.

Thinking about it I'm eligible to be picked for Wales and Scotland, but having spent my life laughing at their pathetic attempts at International level it would be hard to put their shirts on and take it seriously.

England only for me, at least we get past the 1st round of tournaments before whimpering out.

 

[pork pie]

I guess it depends upon who it was. I would not want to play for a third-world country like Egypt like ElAbd is going to for example.

The risk of him getting injured while playing for them against other low ranked countries really is high.

 

[cunning fergus]

This is like one of those threads about second teams.........some people have them and can seemingly feel a sense of genuine warmth when they do well. Each to their own but I don't get it, for me its all or nothing. I am a monogomist.

That said playing international football (or supporting a football team) does not provide any real indication of loyalty and commitment to a county its more about ego. Taking El Abd's case as an example, he is seemingly happy to play football for Eygpt, but he didnt do their compulsory national service which includes 9 years as a reservist in the forces. I doubt he will send his kids there to be educated, or let them do the national service.

Thankfully not everyone is like that though........well done Dave Kitson.

 

[Gritt23]

Depends entirely on the connection I felt to the "other" country.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Nationality is fairly arbitrary in my mind. I could become a full German national in under 5 years if I wanted to and worked really hard at it. In my mind working towards getting a nationality is much more meaningful than simply being born somewhere. I will have earnt it. So yes is the answer. And I promise to not celebrate scoring against England.

 

[JetsetJimbo]

I've got two nationalities and would be proud to represent either at anything. Well, almost anything.

 

[Cian]

I'd willingly represent either of the two I'm probably able to (Scotland/USA) otherwise if it meant getting to the highest level in a sport.

 

[Mackenzie]

My son and youngest daughter were born in Wales. I'd quite happily let them represent Wales if they weren't good enough for England.

 

[wunt be druv]

Sussex first,then England.Another country - Never!

 

[Mental Lental]

Doesn't matter where you were born, only where you grew up.

 

[GreersElbow]

I'd love to represent Canada.