International breaks. They come and go throughout the course of a year. We get to see why the F.A pays Capello so much. Question is though, is anyone really that bothered? Are we happy to have a season as close and as interesting as this, put to one side for two England games?
Yes it is true that the game against Wales had some importance, what with it being a Euro 2012 qualifier and all, that can be excused.
But what of the game against Ghana? What is the reason and main purpose behind this fixture?
When a game is dubbed an “international friendly” then to me, all the importance and excitement that comes with watching a game of football is lost. There are some who are passionate, who are England through and through, don’t get me wrong I will wear my England shirt proud when England play, but only when it truly matters to England’s cause. Give me the Premier League action any day over a friendly.
Football is at its best when there is conviction, and more importantly purpose within the play. Think of the relegation dogfight, think of the fact that there is only six points separating the bottom to the middle of the table, think of Avram Grant’s West Ham, and their revival and spirit to try and survive within the league.
Then think of the “International Friendly”
England will head out against Ghana knowing that it is nothing more than an exhibition. Some will see it as a chance to see what they look like in an England shirt.
The F.A will see it as a chance to monitor their investment, to see if their money is being put to good use in Capello.
The fans? We will see a very different England side to the one that beat Wales, and the one that will end up being the team that Capello will lead into Euro 2012 should we make it. Capello has released Wayne Rooney, John Terry, Frank Lampard, huge names in English football, back to their respective clubs. They of course will have the upcoming Champions League fixtures in mind and will not want this game to come in the way of them
So if that is the case, if this friendly comes across as too risky for players such as these, then why have it in the midst of the season?
Many would rather be sat watching Match of The Day on a Saturday night, catching up on the day’s action than a game that some would consider pointless to England’s cause, as nothing more than being in the way of the Premier League season.
It is true that I like many will sit down and watch the game either way, but in the back of our minds we know what we’d rather be watching.
Wake me up when it’s all over.