Ian Wright and Roy Keane have told England supporters to accept Jamal Musiala's decision to represent his birthplace, Germany. The 19-year-old started for Hansi Flick's side in the World Cup opener against Japan, despite having enjoyed his formative years on English soil.
The former Chelsea youngster couldn't give his nation the cutting-edge as the Asian Cup runners-up waltzed away 2-1 victors. Yet he still impressed for Germany, reminding England fans - and Blues supporters alike - just how the Three Lions lost sight of one of the world's most exciting young players.
Musiala, who was born in Stuttgart, represented England from under-15s to under-17s before featuring in the under-21s side at the age of just 17. While he earned his stripes for the Three Lions across various age groups, the Bayern Munich starlet also appeared for Germany under-17s at the age of 15.
READ MORE: "What a player" - Chelsea fans react to Jamal Musiala's stunning display for Germany vs Japan
Speaking on ITV, Wright and Keane provided context as to why Musiala decided to represent his birthplace, Germany, reminding England supporters that they too are guilty of poaching young players. The former Manchester United midfielder outlined how both Jack Grealish and Declan Rice opted for the Three Lions over the Republic of Ireland.
"What a place to be learning [with Germany], he’s playing regularly but it’s nice for England to get a taste of its own medicine," Keane said. "They’ve took players; Rice, Grealish - don’t get me started on that. When players make that decision it’s not easy and you have to respect that but wonderful talent, there’s still potential and we’re looking forward to seeing him."
Then, the former Arsenal striker added: "When you look at the amount of players who have chosen England over their own countries, we have to take it in our stride because you normally find they come to England because they have a better chance of doing well.
"He’s gone to Germany because, lets face it, they’re a better international footballing nation than us and he’s good enough at 19 to play for Germany. He’s born in Germany so he’s chosen he’s home country, let’s hope and pray he does his best.
"He’s being compared to [Lionel] Messi, he’s only trying to get his career started, but like Bellingham, unknown, so you just wish him the best."
Until the age of seven, Musiala lived in Germany, winning many tournaments as a junior with TSV Lehnerz. Then, shortly after, he travelled to Southampton where he would continue his development - but not for footballing reasons.
His mum Carolin enrolled in a four-month Erasmus programme at the University of Southampton as part of a master's degree at Frankfurt's Goethe University. Musiala was later picked up by Chelsea where he plied his trade at Cobham training ground until deciding to join Bayern Munich, aged just 16.
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