The new Premier League season was just three days away the last time England were due to play in an international friendly versus Holland. Thankfully (in my eyes), it was called off due to the London riots, but the season is just three rounds old and already we have to put everything on hold, as another international break occurs. At least this time it’s for an actual competitive match as England take on Bulgaria in a Euro 2012 qualifier, but I still find the whole thing ridiculous. It got me thinking; am I the only one who would rather see my team (and by that I mean club team) play, over following England’s normally dour expoits? Yes, it’s another club v country debate.
I fully admit to being pretty un-patriotic, especially when it comes to football. But I can’t help but think that even if I did support the national team, I would still prefer to watch and support my club over England any day. Is this the case for any of you who are patriotic? I love my club through thick and thin, for better or for worse. I love football and everything surrounding it. But in particular I enjoy watching beauty and creativity, flair and excitement; you know, all the things that don’t seem to happen whenever England normally play. Then there’s the god-awful hype that surrounds the England circus in proclaiming them world beaters every time an International tournament comes along.
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There’s something slightly hypercritical about being an England fan, especially if you support a team from the Premier League. I mean, week in week out, we boo, hiss, abuse and despise many players who play against our beloved club. Then, as soon as they pull on an England shirt we’re supposed to cheer them on and admire them? No thanks, not for me. The other problem with the England team, especially of today is that I just can’t relate to them. You only have to read the press headlines from the front pages to see what kind of people some of them appear to be. Arrogant, self-obsessed and not of this world. I would want any of my ‘club’ players to do well whilst playing for England, but that is also out-weighed by the fear of injury they may pick up whilst on international duty – which they often do. Which increases my anger!
Many people were angry when hearing the comments of Gary Neville recently when he stated playing for England was a waste of time for him, and that if he had to choose between winning with Manchester United or England, his club team would come out top all the time. It was a sentiment echoed by Jamie Carragher many years ago when he proclaimed he would always put club before country. It was a refreshing change to know that some professional players feel the same way with putting their clubs first. I suspect many more professionals concur but remain silent for fear of negativity.
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It wasn’t always like this. Maybe today’s modern English international, coupled with the ridiculous cheer-leading modern-day media in this country has shaped and unbalanced my view somewhat. But I can remember when I last truly wanted England to do well. It was way back in 1990, during Italia ’90. An abundance of genuinely skilful and attacking talent with the likes of Gazza, Barnes, Waddle, Beardsley and Lineker, a genial but thoughtful manager (although hammered by the press at the time – some things never change) in Bobby Robson, and a team full of likable, approachable characters. The contrast in personalities alone between then and now is just immeasurable.
That group of players are a far cry from today’s underperforming, over-paid, spoilt bunch of fairly average players, but either way, give me my club over country any day.
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