Mikel Arteta who is thought to be interested in playing for England despite playing for Spain at U-16 and U-17 levels has been dealt a blow by FIFA. Article 18.1a states that any player that has represented their country in an official competition, at whatever level, would at that time have needed to have held a passport for country they later wish to play for in order to be permitted to make the switch.

There had been a campaign growing recently backing the Spanish midfielder as a potential England candidate after he completed five years residency in the United Kingdom.

It’s uncertain whether the FA or indeed Fabio Capello would have been interested in approaching Arteta with a view to playing for England.