Why Should Countries Pay Clubs For Players On International Duty

Meddling FIFA president Sepp Blatter is intent on leaving a lasting legacy to the wonderful world of football regardless of the effect it will have on the game. This time he has paved the way for the richest clubs in football to get richer still, through payments for their player who are on international duty.

The threat of legal action from the G14 clubs which include Manchester United, Liverpool & Arsenal, appears to have forced the hand of the top man in Football. The clubs were seeking compensation for players injured on international duty, however Blatter has given them a letter if intent which has satisfied them, causing them to withdraw their legal action and disband the group. UEFA will be happy to see the group gone as they had threatened to set up a break away European league.

Countries Could Go Bankrupt Or Competitions Could Disappear!

The details of the payments have yet to be announced, but the intent to pay does beg many questions. Currently the players get a match fee for playing for their country, in tournaments there are other bonuses and incentives for playing. Will these payments be diverted to the Clubs instead of the players? Or will there be a further financial burden on the countries coffers? A burden that could see the end of fantastic tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championships, or possibly the end of some glorious nations participation in the competitions because they could not afford the payments required to the clubs. How will the poorer African nations be able to compensate cash rich Chelsea for their highly valuable super stars like Drogba and Essien?

Why Should Clubs Be Compensated? Players Made Famous From International Competitions Make Them Millions!

Currently the International tournaments take place during the holiday/close season, with the exception of the African Cup of Nations, which could and should be rescheduled to suit considering the majority of players are playing their game in Europe. So what exactly are the clubs being compensated for? Being denied the ability to take that player on a tour of Asia or America? Surely the player is representing their club in some of the most watched competitions on the planet, if those players play well or win medals their value is raised, meaning the club can charge more for sponsors and branding. Just look at the new partnership between Manchester United and Kumho Tyres, where the Koreans will have paid a fortune to Manchester United so they can use effective sales tools like Wayne Rooney’s name in radio advertising. Their value is also raised on the transfer market, some clubs have been funded and built on the cash from selling a player who did well at a world cup. Damian Duff was sold to Chelsea for a fortune after his displays for the Republic of Ireland in 2002, Bayern Munich made a huge profit on Owen Hargreaves after he shone in the World Cup in 2006, is that not compensation enough for these teams?

Who Will Compensate The Countries If The Stars Are Unavailable For Tournaments?

Has a player ever had their career ended by an injury caused purely in an international tournament? Granted there have been a few long term injuries where clubs have had to pay huge wages during the recovery period, but who negotiated the contract with the players? Who agreed to pay them full pay during their sickness? More importantly if an international star is injured playing for their club and cannot play for their country will the clubs compensate the countries? If Cristiano Ronaldo is injured for the Euro 2008, could Portugal sue Manchester United for inhibiting their chances of winning the competition, reducing their potential revenues from sponsors? If so Wales could have a case against Manchester United as Ryan Giggs nearly always seemed to have a niggle when it came to international time.

It’s Time Players Took Responsibility, Instead Of Just Taking The Money

In the modern game that is awash with money, with players commanding incredible salaries in some cases in excess of £120k a week, plus endorsements. The responsibility must be with the players, they should insure themselves to compensate their clubs for injuries caused fulfilling their international duty. If not the clubs should continue to work with the risk and reward system that is currently in place, they take the risk of the player getting injured, but they also reap the rewards of the influx of cash from merchandise, sponsorship and transfer fees as a result of their player participation.

Steve McClaren’s short reign as manager ended when the FA board unanimously decided that the crushing defeat to Croatia at Wembley in the Euro 2008 qualifier would be his last game in charge.

The axe also fell on Terry Venables who will now be free to take up the offer of a position as manager of the Republic of Ireland. McClaren will be in the record books for all the wrong reasons, his tenure is the shortest so far, and in percentage terms he also lost more games than any other manager.

Resignation v Pay-day

Fans & pundits alike expected McClaren to fall on his sword, and resign but as usual in modern football the manager held out for his pay-off. Just 15 months since the proudest day of McClaren’s managerial career came the worst when his reign was labelled an ‘embarrassment’ by Geoff Thompson. Brian Barwick felt obliged to ‘apologise to the fans personally’.

New Manager Selection

There will be another protracted selection process before a successor is appointed and a few of the early favourites have stated they do not wish to be considered for the position, probably because their situations have changed since they were unsuccessful in their previous application.

World Cup 2010 South Africa Qualification Draw

England will discover who their opponents will be in the 2010 World cup qualifiers on Sunday but they will be pitted against some of Europe’s finest as failure to qualify for Euro 2008 will put them in the second pot.

England manager Steve McClaren made some of the boldest decisions in his team selection to play the crucial last qualifying game against Croatia, in a game that England could not afford to lose.

Pre Match Press Conference

When questioned about the speculation about the team in the pre match press conference McClaren replied that the players did no know the team, but the had an idea. A statement that demonstrates the lack of preparation of the players for the biggest game since they got knocked out of the World Cup quarter finals. With seven experienced internationals injured, McClaren decided it would be beneficial to drop Paul Robinson and give a competitive debut to Scott Carson rather than reinstate David James, who has arguably been the best English keeper in recent months. He also left the biggest name in the squad on the bench, David Beckham the only name on the team sheet that the Croats would fear was left with the possibility of a short stint as a substitute.

Change of Formation

With the preparation not as is might have been, when McClaren named the team it demonstrated that he decided to try a new formation. Not what you would expect from an international manager, let alone manager of a footballing force like England. The poor preparation showed within the first fifteen minutes as the England players looked like they were strangers and they were two goals down.

The first goal could be attributed to the poor playing surface, which had not recovered after the FA allowed an American Football NFL game to be played three weeks previously, leaving the pitch resembling a muddy bog from the 1970’s. Something alien to the pampered stars of the premier league who play on pitches that are like lush carpets. However Scott Carson was more at fault than the surface as Niko Kranjcar’s shot bounced through his fingers, the gaff put him up there with both James and Robinson who have been subject to errors on occasion.

The second came as England struggled to come to terms with the mammoth task ahead the defence appeared to be unsure of their positioning calling for offside as Arsenal’s Eduardo played a through ball to Olic who was played onside by Wayne Bridge. Olic danced around a stranded Carson and stroked the ball in to the empty net.

All Change At Half Time

Having witnessed his sides capitulation in the first half McClaren decided there were changes needed if his side were to get back in to the game. He brought on Beckham and Defoe, for Wright-Phillips & Barry allowing England to revert back to their favoured 4-4-2 formation. Both players were instrumental in the resurgence of England as they and Peter Crouch seemed like the only players trying.

Lampard Penalty Gives England Lifeline

Defoe was brought down by a tug of his shirt by the only player at a world cup to be booked three times Josip Simunic, providing Lampard and England with a penalty to get a foot hold back in the game. Under pressure Lampard managed to send the ball home and give England a lifeline.

Defoe was involved in the second as his hustle forced the ball out to Richards who fed Beckham on the right. The former England captain played a first time cross in to Crouch who controlled the ball on his chest before thumping the ball home to put England level. McClaren must have been reminiscing of his previous escapes as Middlesbrough manager.

Slaven Billic’s super sub Petric came on and killed off the hopes of a nation. His shot from 20 yards flew past Carson with just 13 minutes left for England to get back in to the game. Third sub Darren Bent came closest to helping England qualify but his shot hit the top of the net.

England travelled to Russia fearing the effect of the artificial pitch in Moscow, yet insisting it would not be the cause of their downfall should their be one on the day. It would appear that the players and staff were right, the pitch was not a problem. In a game that England dominated their downfall was masterminded by a Gus Hiddink substitution and some poor refereeing rather than caused by a plastic pitch.

Rooney Volley Puts England In Control

On the half hour England went ahead, when Michael Owen knocked down a long clearance from the England defence in to the path of Wayne Rooney who coolly volleyed the ball past the Russian keeper, who had no chance to make a save. England had a chance to increase their lead, which would have put the game beyond their hosts as Gerrard uncharacteristically scuffed a volley for it to go wide of the near post.

Super Sub Pavluchenko Scores Two To Put The Pressure On England

It took just four minutes to turn the game, English fans who were celebrating certain qualification as their team bossed the game on the suspect pitch, were soon facing despair as they trailed the Russians. Both goals came courtesy of Pavluchenko who was introduced in to the fray on the hour. Rooney turned from hero to villain when he brought down Zurianov outside the box but the linesman did not help the referee with his decision as he pointed to the spot. Paul Robinson dived the right way but was unable to stop Pavluchenko’s penalty kick.

Russia scored their second just four minutes later, when Pavluchenko put the ball in from close range when Robinson could only parry Beretzutsky’s shot into his path.

England Rely On Others To Help Them Qualify

Steve McClaren and his England team now have to rely on other results if they are to qualify for the final tournament next summer. They need Israel to take points off Russia in their game in hand, as there is little chance of Andorra taking points off them. England will also have to overcome Group E leaders Croatia at Wembley next month.

Onward The Brave

Ukraine travelled to Hampden Park looking for a win to keep their slim chances of qualifying for EURO 2008 open, however within ten minutes Scotland were two up – what a dream start that was. Shevchenko was gifted a chance through slack defending in the 24th minute and the game ended 2-1 at half time.

Talisman James McFadden Increases Lead In Second Half

In the Second Half once again Ukraine launched an all out attack that even Marshal Zhukov would be proud of unfortunately with all their pressure they could not convert their chances and they were punished by Scotland’s talisman once again James McFadden. An accurate pass to McFadden was controlled perfectly and he buried the ball past the hapless Ukrainian goalie sending Hamdpen into another frenzy.

Two More Games To Qualify For The Euro 2008 Finals Next Summer

One down and two games left – Georgia are next up on Wednesday and nothing but a Win will do for the Tartan Army and for the nation to keep their dreams alive of qualifying for a major tournament for the first time in 10 years.

After the Berti Vogts disaster, Walter Smith and now Alex McLeish has brought the pride, passion and honour to being a Scotsman and a Football Fan.

Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed every England fans worst fear. England striker Michael Owen needs surgery to repair his most recent injury; which will see him miss the next two Euro 2008 qualifying games against Russia and Estonia.

It had been feared that Owen needed to go under the knife for a hernia injury but he was given a clean bill of health on that front only to discover that he may have to have surgery on his latest injury; a tear on his Abductor muscle.

Allardyce believes that Owen will be out at least until the Magpies play Spurs in October. The first Premier League fixture after the Euro 2008 qualifiers that is if the player does not need surgery or that date would be dragged out even longer.

Liverpool talisman Steven Gerrard has undergone extensive medical scrutiny over his toe injury. The Reds captain had to have an injection before taking part in Liverpool’s game against Chelsea. He has not taken part in any of his clubs other games before his call up to the England squad.

England manager Steve McClaren has threatened to use a similar injection so Gerrard can take part in the cruicial Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia. Even though his club manager Rafa Benitez has pleaded with the England camp not to do so.

Got Enough In The Room. Then Why Play An Unfit Gerrard?

Gerrard has returned to training and is he passes further assessments he should be able to play in the two games. Gerrard is a fantastic player and he possesses the passion and fighting spirit that England will need if they are to win the two games. The fact that McClaren was prepared to force Gerrard to play carrying an injury, must make the rest of the English midfielders ask questions of the managers faith in their ability. Granted only Lampard is of the same mould but the others like Hargreaves, Carrick or even Joe Cole could do a job better than a half fit Gerrard. Especially when McClaren said that he “looked round the room” and thought “I’m very very pleased with what I’ve got… we have got enough in the room to win these games”.

Emile Heskey has not played for his country for over three years, he has been involved in the squad once during this absence but he was not used. That last appearance was during the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal, now after being virtually ignored during the Word Cup campaign and for most of this qualification process, he has been handed the responsibility of helping England qualify for a tournament that he may not feature in.

Emile Heskey Model Professional

When called upon for his 43 caps Heskey was the model player, prepared to play and do what ever was asked of him by the management including playing out of position. This is probably the root cause of his poor statistics as a ‘striker’ in 43 appearances he only managed to score 5 goals. Even if he was the provider of every other England goal, it does not change the fact he scored 1 goal for every eight games. A ratio that does not inspire confidence in England fans when they have to win the next two games to remain in contention for qualifying for the finals next summer.

Wigan Manager Chris Hutchings ‘He has been playing out of his skin…it’s also fantastic for the whole of Wigan’

The comments from Wigan manager Chris Hutchings say everything about Englands prospects and the ambition of Wigan Athletic. Firstly on Heskey playing out of his skin, he has managed one goal in five league games for Wigan this season. That goal scored against a Sunderland defence who can hardly be compared with an International defence.

Secondly the inclusion of a Wigan player in the England squad should not really be a cause of celebration for the whole town. It’s not like winning a cap is the same as winning a cup.

Striker Wanted Apply @ TheFA.com

There have to be more potent strikers available to McClaren than Emile Heskey, even with the current injury crisis. The only English strikers in the goal scoring top 10 are Cameron Jerome and Michael Chopra, who have both scored two this season with teams that have just been promoted. Michael Owen has scored as many goals as Derbyshire and Agbonlahor who have both played in these pressure situations for the under21 team why not blood them in the last friendly and have them prepared for succession to the full squad?

England: Names And Reputations or Passion And Pride

It would appear to many that McClaren and the FA are going down the path of the devil they know, even if what they know is not what they really need. Since before the time of Ericsson England squads have been picked on the name and reputation of the players rather than their current form, which is why Lampard and Gerrard are shoe horned into the midfield. It is also the reason why Owen, Rooney and Heskey have so many caps and in the case of the latter two, so few goals. When did Rooney last score a competitive goal for his country? 21st June 2004 against Croatia at Euro 2004. Yet it is believed when fit he is one of the first names on the team sheet. It is not like England have a shortage of players, only a shortage of English players that play for fashionable teams (Wigan I know are not fashionable, but Heskey made his England reputation while playing with Liverpool). It is time that players who play for unfashionable clubs got an opportunity they have earned, rather than selecting mediocre players because of the club badge that appears on their chest. An example of this would be Kieran Richardson a regular in the squad while a Manchester United player how many call ups will he get now he is at Sunderland?

Full Squad To Play Against Israel & Russia

Goalkeepers:

Paul Robinson (Spurs), David James(Portsmouth), Scott Carson(Aston Villa)

Defenders:

Micah Richards(Man City), Wes Brown(Man Utd), Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd), John Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Joleon Lescott (Everton), Phil Neville (Everton), Nicky Shorey (Reading)

Midfielders:

David Bentley (Blackburn), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Michael Carrick (Man Utd), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Stuart Downing (Middlesbrough), Owen Hargreaves (Man Utd)

Strikers:

Alan Smith (Newcastle United), Michael Owen (Newcastle United), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Andy Johnson (Everton), Jermain Defoe (Spurs), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Emile Heskey (Wigan)

Wayne Rooney is suffering his third similar foot injury and his is not on his own England team-mates David Beckham and Gary Neville have also suffered similar injuries. While it is common place today, it is an injury that did not used to exist years ago, even though the players had to endure tougher challenges, were not as fit and kicked a ball that is a far cry from that used today.

So what has changed? The first main change that most people point to is the technology in the footwear. That’s right they are blaming the Boots, boots that manufacturers spend millions on research and development to ensure they are fit for purpose before they bring them to market. In recent years boots have been developed to make them lighter so players can run and turn faster. They have been made thinner to give players more ‘feel’ and control of the ball. Some even have rubber on the kicking surface to add more power and swerve. All of these innovations while brilliant for the things they improve forget one thing, that boots are not just there as an aid to mobility or striking the ball; they are the first line of protection in a tackle for players who are worth tens of millions of pounds. Players who cost clubs hundreds of thousands of pounds or Euros every week in wages if they play or if they are on the treatment table. Some ex-professionals are beginning to question the protection modern boots offer, especially when there are so many injuries of a similar nature occurring in the game. The level of contact in many cases is negligible, as was the case with Rooney and Duberry on Sunday.

However it can not be just the equipment, lots of other factors have changed over the years too. More importantly it is not just feet and toes that get broken in the modern game. Larsson, Busst and Cisse have all smashed much thicker leg bones. Players are now super fit, training to levels that even players who played ten years ago find difficult to comprehend.

Another massive factor is the nutritional aspect of the game. Gone are the days when players would ‘eat all the pies’ or drink in the pub with the fans after a game. The nutritional revolution is a relatively modern phenomenon where each portion at meal time during the season is carefully monitored to enhance the performance of the athlete. While Rooney may look a little overfed at times perhaps for a man of his build he is missing the nutrients that his body needs or had become used to as he grew up. Like most kids he would have grown up with the ad for milk where we were encouraged to drink more or play for Accrington Stanley. Maybe he should drink more and then he could play for Manchester United or the ad should have said drink more or being in the treatment room.

The sad truth is it doesn’t matter if it is the boot technology, the nutrition or even just the modern game. Football is all too often void of its major talents through injury serious or niggling. Governing bodies, clubs and manufacturers should be looking to see what they can do to reduce injuries where possible, even if that means slightly less ‘fit’ players or less technologically advanced equipment. Surely the game would be better with a less athletic Wayne Rooney, in more protective boots than not have home for long periods of the season.

Manchester United & England will be without the services of Wayne Rooney after he picked up another injury involving broken bones in the foot. This time it’s a hairline fracture rather than a fully blown break of a metatarsal, however the result is the same. A protracted recovery program that will hamper results for both club and country, United are already two points behind Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool in the race for the title. Meanwhile England have the crunch qualifiers for Euro 2008. Which with a recovery period of eight weeks or more Rooney has little chance of helping England on the field.

Manchester United have Tevez as a ready replacement for Rooney, the critics will have to wait a while before they can see if the two can play together. They will hope that Saha and Solskjaer will be fit soon or they will have to rely on makeshift forward John O’Shea to help get their title charge back on track.

England on the other hand have no recognised ready replacement. Dean Ashton is still on the road to recovery from his last appearance, Bent & Defoe have struggled to get a place at Spurs and could hardly be seen as form players. Michael Owen is still on the treatment table at Newcastle, Andy Johnston could play along side Peter Crouch. In all truth the injury crisis up front is more severe than the one at the back. As England will need to score more than they let in if they are to qualify for next summers tournament.