They're at it again!
Over the years, British media outlets claiming Irish personalities as their own has been a real bugbear in this country. There have been numerous examples down through the years, and while they are called out every single time, the habit shows little signs of going away.
While actors and musicians are most commonly claimed by some in England, the practice also takes place when it comes to our sports stars.
We have been provided with another example this week.
Daily Mail include Irish stars in English XI
This piece in the Daily Mail is sure to piss a few people off, claiming two up and coming Ireland stars as their own.
The article in question names an XI of 'English players breaking through in the Premier League', but it seems as though the footballers included don't have to play for England in order to be considered.
Wolves midfielder Joe Hodge and Brighton striker Evan Ferguson were both included in the team.
Hodge was born in Manchester, but has represented Ireland from U16 up to U21 level. He also recently confirmed that he has no interest in playing for England in the future.
The Daily Mail justified his inclusion by bringing up his a handful of appearances for England at U16 level, despite the player's lack of interest in playing for them again in the years ahead.
As for Evan Ferguson, the Meath native came through the system at St Kevin's and Bohemians before moving to Brighton as a 16-year old. He is eligible to play for England via his mother, but there has never been any indication that this would be a possibility. He has already been capped twice by Stephen Kenny at senior level.
Here was the rather embarrassing explanation for Ferguson's inclusion:
Having grown up in Ireland and already won two caps for the national team, the likelihood of Evan Ferguson playing for England is perhaps minimal.
However, FIFA regulations state players can still switch until they have made three appearances - and Ferguson, who qualifies for England through his mother - has burst onto the scene for Brighton since the World Cup.
With the Seagulls known to lack a goalscorer, the 18-year-old has scored three Premier League goals and added two assists in just two starts and he looks one hell of a talent.
Ferguson is yet another relative unknown to find their way into the Brighton first team, and Ireland will be desperate to tie him down in what would be a huge boost to their future prospects at international level.
Absolutely brutal.
Perhaps they would be better served focussing on players who actually want to play for England.
SEE ALSO: GAA Background & 'Raw Irishness' Helping QPR's Jimmy Dunne Thrive In Suitable Surroundings
