da bwin： When I heard that the FA were seriously considering dipping their toe into the home nation pond and revitalising a tournament binned over 25 years ago, I initially struggled to see why such a concept was being considered.
da fezbet： Reviving a tournament that is only going to add further competitive fixtures to an already packed calendar sounded like a cue for a batch of club induced withdrawals from key players.
The biggest surprise was that England were now championing a concept that as recently as last year they had dismissed as being a relic of the past and something that would not be workable.
Admittedly, at this stage the format only looks set for a reformation on a one-off basis, however, such has been the sea change over the last twelve months, that a long term commitment from all parties cannot be ruled out.
However, would competitive home nation fixtures be better used than the much maligned friendlies that have filled international weekends of the past? Below I examine the impact such a tournament might have on each nation.
England
On current FIFA world rankings, England would surely triumph in any meeting between themselves and the other home nations. Fabio Capello will not be around to see the re-introduction of the tournament, however he will presumably see the merit of meaningful fixtures for the national team without qualification or major tournament pressure whilst creating a uniquely competitive environment.
Joining the home nations on this occasion, even if it is to be a one off event, is in part a recognition that the friendly programme perused by the FA over the last few years has not worked. Whether this will mark the end of ambitious tours abroad remains to be seen, however it is an indication that marketing the England brand is to take a back seat in the pursuit of success.
Optimists will hope that the 2013 tournament will act as a World Cup tune up for the newly crowned European champions, however the realists will earmark the tournament as being the first test of England in a post ‘Golden Generation’ era.
Two years is a very long time in football, and whilst the likelihood is that England’s side will look reasonably similar to the one playing currently, the esteem with which the team will be held is far more difficult to estimate.
Scotland
I believe the Scots will have the most the gain from the experience. Of the other home nations, Scotland have been the side consistently close to major tournaments without success or luck since their last finals appearance back in 1998.
The problem for the Hampden Park faithful is that when the big boys come to town, the fixtures often mean so much, qualification for tournaments is almost always do or die, and without the experience of playing other quality European outfits in a competitive arena these fixtures have often proven one step too far.
The question will need to be asked of the band of players to have tried but failed to make the major championships throughout the noughties, which of these will remain when the tournament kicks off?
I have learnt never to rule out David Weir, but on a more serious note, key players such as James McFadden and Kenny Miller may find that competition a bridge too far, certainly with a view to benefiting their hopes of an appearance at a major championship. How these players would have benefited from a similar competition during their formative years as internationals.
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Wales
Wales will hope that by 2013 their crop of promising youngsters have begun to fulfil their potential. Undoubtedly, new Wales manager Gary Speed would appreciate some elder statesmen to help his side through this transitional phase so that by the time any 2013 tournament begins, his side will have learnt to string decent passages of play together to create consistent performances.
The concern for Welsh fans may be if individuals like Robbie Savage are given another go at international football. The presence of players like Savage will undoubtedly strengthen an inconsistent Welsh midfield ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifiers against England, however it is games like these that Speed will need to introduce his fresh-faced pool of players to competitive international football.
Much of Wales’ long-term future will depend on the development and interest levels of several key assets. Whilst Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Ledley may find themselves falling into the Ryan Giggs bracket of never playing in a major tournament, windows to impress such as a home nations campaign may well spike their attention at times when interests of club and country converge.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland will be another side desperate to use the home internationals as a building block for greater things. Despite occasional, notable victories over the last five years, an established core of players that have taken them from no hopers to presenting credible challenges for qualification to the last couple of major championships will not be around by 2013.
With goal scoring outlet David Healy in terminal decline, Keith Gillespie drifting out of the game and instrumental goalkeeper, Maik Taylor also beginning to slow down, there is a dearth of international standard players across the squad, Manchester United’s Jonny Evans a rare example of quality.
Whilst 2013 will not suddenly become the be all and end all of Northern Ireland’s aspirations, they will want to avoid being the whipping boys in a tournament where all the protagonists may well find themselves at important crossroads in their developments.
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