Edu considering declaring for England

Edu will not come into the equation for England selection unless, or until, he becomes a British national.

The Arsenal midfielder, who is yet to be capped at senior level by his native Brazil, has not ruled out the idea of taking advantage of FIFA eligibility rules and switching his allegiance to England.

But the Football Association insist they cannot even consider Edu’s case unless he is granted British citizenship.

“FIFA regulations say if you are a national of a country and have not represented another country at senior level, you may play for any other countries that you are eligible for. But Edu is not a British citizen, so this is a non-issue at the moment,” said an FA spokesman.

The 25-year-old, who has been in outstanding form for the Gunners, would certainly give England a much-needed left-footed option in midfield.

He said: “I know it would be possible for me to play for England – and I am thinking about that.

“Like every player I would like to be involved at international football. And if Brazil don’t pick me, then why not?”

FIFA rules allow players who are uncapped at senior level to “change” nationality if they are granted citizenship in a country where they have been resident for two years or more, or have a parent or grandparent who qualifies them.

Tottenham striker Frederic Kanoute – capped at under-21 level by France, but never in a senior match – now plays for Mali because his parents hail from the African country, while Leicester full-back Ben Thatcher, an England Under-21 international, has been capped by Wales because his grandmother was born there.

Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini and Charlton striker Paolo di Canio, who have never been capped at senior level by Italy, have also been touted as possible England internationals in the past.

FIFA recently blocked an attempt by oil-rich Gulf state Qatar to offer fast-tracked citizenship to three German-based Brazilian players because the players did not have a “clear connection” to the country.