One of the questions about the “global” role of the English language regards the possible formation of a single standard variety above nationality, that would be learnt by the populations of the 21st century. It is not practical to formulate hypotheses because the way in which English has evolved has no precedents. Despite the lack of existing models, there are substantially two outcomes that stimulate most interest: firstly the breaking up of English into different varieties leading to the loss of the role of being the lingua franca; secondly the supremacy of one single standard variety that could take the place of the others in international usage and in teaching. The last hypothesis brings to the forefront another question concerning the models that will be the most widespread. Will it be British English or American English that will represent the linguistic variety to be used on a global level? Or, will there be a different standard variety that will replace those that are used now? These tensions emerge because English represents the vehicle language for international communication and establishes the formation of identity. The first function requires a common standard for an effective and reciprocal comprehension; the second shows how, inevitably, this language encourages local forms and hybrid varieties.