Everton boss David Moyes says the ball is in the FA's court over England interest for Mikel Arteta.
Arteta has found it impossible to break into the Spain team and can switch his allegiance to England after spending five years in the Premier League.
And Moyes thinks the prospect of representing England in a major tournament could tempt 28-year-old Arteta to turn his back on the world champions.
Moyes said: "If England want Mikel they should come out and ask him now.
"Listen, the boy is Spanish, there's no getting around that, but the regulations mean he can play for England.
"If Fabio Capello or the FA asked Mikel to consider playing for England then he would have a big decision to make. It isn't a decision that Mikel Arteta can make before he is asked.
"He can't suddenly turn around and say, 'Right, I am now English' because if England don't select him he'd be left high and dry. It can't be a cop-out by the FA.
"If they want him they have to come out and say it. If they don't, no problem."
