I suspect the [R] isn't needed, but whatever ... Most people here are probably aware that Zak Whitbread did not go to the COTIF tournament in Spain with the US U-20s. He has been playing regularly for Liverpool U-19s: 8/24: L'Pool 1 - 2 Norwich (Whitbread played 90 in central defense) 8/31: L'pool 3 - 2 Spurs (Whitbread played 90 in central defense) Reports here. I think it was also reported earlier, but he also saw time as a sub with Liverpool Reseves, in a 2-1 win over Bolton on 8/19. Pretty nice for such a young defensive player.
Anything's possible. The only two options are the US and England--and both teams have a chance to cap him in the UAE next year. He's appeared for the U-23's, but at this point seems an unlikely choice for inclusion with the U-20's. The US is more likely a candidate, with England's player pool and their not using him in the past.
I would imagine they will be much deeper than us for quite a while. We may have a select few young pros and a few dozen kids getting trained down in Florida, but England has hundreds of young kids coming through their pro ranks all the time.
I don't know, he seems to consider himself British. I mean, there are a lot of players who could consider themselves American who've never given it a thought. Is there any indication he'd like to play for the US?