Manuel Almunia, the Arsenal goalkeeper, has again suggested he could have a future with England after insisting he had received “a lot of support” to represent the side.

The Spaniard will have the opportunity to apply for British nationality next year and wants to play at international level - a prospect he feels is not a realistic option with his native country.

The 30-year-old has previously suggested he could be persuaded to switch allegiance before and now believes there is backing for him to make the move.

“I haven’t been called to play for Spain and I’m getting a lot of support here [England] so it’s something to consider,” Almunia said.

“I only look at this issue from a sporting side, it has nothing to do with feelings nor rejecting my identity because I’m probably more Spanish than some of those in the Spanish national team.

“I only say I am getting support here to play at international level and in Spain this is impossible as they have two of the best goalkeepers in the world [Iker Casillas of Real Madrid and Liverpool’s Jose Reina].

“So if a door was to open for me to play at international level, I don’t say I would take it but I would study the situation to see what consequences it would have.”

Former England coach Steve McClaren’s reign was littered with goalkeeping errors from the likes of Paul Robinson and Scott Carson.

His successor, Fabio Capello, has seen his options further limited by the Robinson’s dropping from the Tottenham first team by Juande Ramos.