Premier League star reveals he 'wouldn't feel comfortable' representing England

England are set to begin their World Cup campaign this Wednesday when they square off with Croatia, and while many would view it as an honour to represent the Three Lions, one Premier League star has stated he would not have been comfortable representing the nation.

The preparation for the competition has not been ideal for the English, as they suffered a theft of their training equipment.

While this is not ideal, it will not impact the ambition and aims of the England team under Thomas Tuchel in winning the nation's second World Cup title following their sole success in 1966.

Tuchel has selected a squad that he thinks will deliver them success, which has seen him leave out major names like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer.

However, there is one name that made the decision to not opt to represent England, with the Premier League star choosing to play for another nation at the World Cup.

David Raya has openly spoken in a press conference ahead of Spain’s opener against Cape Verde tomorrow about how he did not want to represent England, despite being eligible.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya pictured (Image: Getty)

In response to a question about him playing for the Three Lions, the Arsenal keeper said: “It never crossed my mind. I feel Spanish, and I always wanted to represent Spain. I wouldn't feel comfortable representing England. I would feel like an outsider.”

It is understood Raya will not be the first choice for Spain, with this honour going to Unai Simon, who has proved to be a fine keeper for the Spanish side, being in goal for the 2024 European Championship title.

Raya would have been eligible to represent England had he made the choice earlier in his career, having moved to Blackburn Rovers at 16 to join their academy and has since spent his entire senior career in the British nation.

Now, having made his debut for Spain in March 2022 against Albania, the Arsenal keeper would not have been able to represent England following this decision to play for the nation of his birth.

Raya will be desperate to help Spain lift their second World Cup this year in any way he can be, whether on or off the pitch.