With the news that Charles N’Zogbia has been called up to the French National team – probably not unrelated to the entire World Cup squad being suspended for a game by the French FA – it’s worth remembering that Charlie is in fact now eligible to play for England. Pre-World Cup, the Wigan winger’s announcement that he had satisfied the residency criteria and was eagerly anticipating a phone-call for Capello was greeted with much badly-disguised mirth. Of course, now that the French want him he’s become a little bit more appealing. A bit like the Olympics…if the Olympics continuously cut-back onto it’s left foot and was wasteful infront of goal.
Other well-known ‘English’ players who qualify for the right to underperform at major tournaments and behave like spoiled children include…
Manuel Almunia – Irrelevant.
Carlo Cudicini – Younger than David James, with better hair.
Gael Clichy – Could have prevented people being exposed to the irony of having to hate, but still cheer for, Ashley Cole – obviously before sharp plunge in form.
Mikael Arteta – Interesting…
