Let Manuel Almunia Play For England

Arsenal's superb shot-stopper Manuel Almunia wants to represent England when he qualifies for a British passport next summer.

Almunia joined the Gunners from Spanish side Celta Vigo five years ago.

Almunia said "The opportunity is there and I'll follow it for as long as the possibility of playing for England remains open. I don't think playing for Spain is an option, they have enough keepers, it's not their biggest problem. If I got a British passport then I would be able to play for England and, at the moment, I feel very English. I am very happy living in this country. The people are always very welcoming and I have made many friends."

Spain certainly have a wide range of talented 'keepers, with the likes of Real Madrid's Iker Casillas, Barcelona's Victor Valdes, and Liverpool's Pepe Reina all infront of Almunia for their No. 1 jersey.

Meanwhile, England have struggled to find a reliable and solid keeper with Portsmouth's David James, West Ham's Robert Green, Blackburn's Paul Robinson, West Bromwich Albion's Scott Carson, and Wigan's Chris Kirkland all failing to be reliable 'keepers.

I believe Almunia should play for England even though he was born in Pamplona, Spain. He has proven himself as a reliable, worthy shot-stopper for Arsenal, and he is equipped with safe hands and great leadership ability, which he showed when he captained Arsenal in their recent Champions League match against Turkish side Fenerbahce.

England really need a good 'keeper, especially if they want to be any threat in South Africa 2010, if they qualify.

Let Almunia play!

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