[Addick]

I could understand the hate for him if he was in my position: born and raised in Canada, developed - however poorly - by the Canadian development system, and judged based on my merit. However, I think the last two are different in Owen's case. I think his dad played a massive role in developing him as a footballer and Owen must have felt he owed this man a lot; a man who probably would have loved for his son to walk out for England. In addition, the 'wonderful' CSA also treated him like trash for players who fell in line for them. A lot of guys in his position would have told the CSA to walk on a lot earlier.

Also, I don't think the colour of his shirt affects the good he can do for football in this country. In fact, he probably can inspire more kids wearing an England shirt as England gets more exposure and plays bigger matches. Even on the sidelines he's probably done more than De Rosario has playing at his best.

I've actually given this a bit of though over the past few months. If I was a top footballer and given the option between Canada and England, I'd choose neither. I couldn't betray Canada because they, however poorly, developed me as a player but I couldn't legitimize the CSA either.