There are players that have the eligibility to play for European nations based on citizenship right but choose to play for Thier main country and that became a serious turning point for them. Look at players like lookman. Even though playing in the world cup at the moment looks slim, his decision to play for Nigeria as opposed to playing for the English national team has given him a serious lift In his career giving him the privilege of being crown the African men's player of the year. Something he would not have achieved if he didn't change his choice of country of participation.

If you're not good enough, you can't stay back in the English team and remain a top candidate that will be called up for the national team when the need arises. The competition for the national team is even strong with a lot of stars on the que waiting for an opportunity of being called up for major tournament. If you're not good enough and damp a lesser country that you're sure will give you more playing time and go for a country you're sure will participate in the world cup, you might face two options of not being called at all or being called up and not being featured in most games.