Football: English participation in World Cup should be questioned, says British MP

British PM Theresa May said it was 'highly likely' that Russia was responsible for the spy attack. Photo / AP Photo

England's presence at this year's FIFA World Cup in Russia is in doubt with calls for the team to boycott the tournament.

The English Football Association held talks about the prospect of boycotting the World Cup following allegations that Russia may be responsible for the attempted poisoning of a former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter.

The BBC reports that the FA has made no change to plans for England to compete in this year's World Cup in Russia, but calls to consider a boycott have gained momentum.

Last week, U.K. foreign secretary Boris Johnson appeared to threaten that a boycott of the World Cup could be possible if Russia were found to be responsible for the spy attack.

"It will be very difficult to imagine that UK representation [at the World Cup] will go ahead in the normal way," Johnson said.

The foreign office later clarified that Johnson's comments were related to officials, dignitaries and politicians rather than the England football team.

However, as new revelations into the Russian spy case surface, support for a World Cup boycott has grown.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said it was "highly likely" Russia was responsible for the attack, prompting calls to consider a boycott from British Labour MP John Woodcock.

"England's participation in the World Cup ought to be in question," Woodcock told BBC Radio 5.

"Certainly there should be no question of government officials, dignitaries, or senior members of the FA going over there.

"I recognise this is the pinnacle of a player's career, and they may only get one shot at it, so it's not a step that should be taken lightly."

Former FA executive David Davies said he was opposed to the idea of a boycott if it was not supported by the international community.

"If I could be convinced that England alone pulling out of the World Cup would upset anybody other than the English then maybe it would be a serious option," Davies told BBC Radio 5.

"I don't think the idea of pulling the team, or encouraging the FA to pull the team out of the World Cup on its own is seriously being considered at the moment, but times change of course."

Outside of international politics, England are also sweating on the fitness of Tottenham striker Harry Kane after he went down with an ankle injury against Bournemouth on Monday.

Spurs and England are still awaiting news of the severity of the injury which could rule the star striker out of the World Cup in June.