As far as I was aware Giggs was eligible to play for England but chose Wales largely as a tribute to his mother.

He would have walked into the England team when he was at his best.

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So barnes was not eligible when he played for england at the time as he carried a Jamaican passport

Giggs was not eligible due to having welsh parents and not being born in England,
There has been many false rumours flying around by english media outlets that giggs chose Wales over England to try and discredit him and make him feel bad playing for Wales,when really England were probably gutted that they could not have him represent the 3 lions

Giggs would have played for England without a doubt if it was at all possible, his agent at the time would have strongly encouraged it as he was a massive talent and would have had the lions share of exposure and marketing and possible football honours playing for England and not Wales, I believe had he been able to play he would have been bigger than Beckham as gazza was the star before Beckham and giggs would have followed if not Beckham would have had some real competition.
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Edited by nickyf (27 Mar 2022 12.58pm)