Why England Should Always Miss Out In 'Club v Country' Rows

Yesterday I wrongly predicted that the England v France friendly would be a dead-rubber. Instead it was a damning verdict on England without key individuals. It could be argued that any country would miss the talents of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney (despite his dip in form).

The biggest talking point following the game was arguably the injury sustained by vice-captain Steven Gerrard as he chased back vehemently in the closing stages of the encounter. It was revealed today that he stands to miss a month of Liverpool's season, just at a time when it appears he is leading the overhaul of their poor start to the campaign.

It raises the question of club v country, which had already been dragged kicking and screaming back onto the back pages following the announcement of John Terry's injury situation.

Yesterday 'The Sun' claimed: 'Fabio Capello feels John Terry has put Chelsea before his country. The England boss said: "He didn't play for us this season because he wasn't completely fit. He preferred not to play so he could be fit for his club. He played many games with injections."

Hard-hitting words from the Italian, but arguably, very fair. However he was happy to remove his skipper Rio Ferdinand at half time last night, surely hoping to avoid the wrath of Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

But if Terry has picked club over country, so what?

It has to be said that I very rarely agree with any words that leave Terry's lips, but if he were to state that he did indeed prefer to turn out for Chelsea rather than England I would applaud him.

Each and every game in the Premier League is a must-win if his team are to retain the title whilst an England friendly against France - which could easily have been a David Beckham tribute act if Capello had his way - is a non-event.

Terry, Gerrard, Rooney, Lampard and all of the other names associated with England should pick club over country. They have two years until their next chance for glory with England, and what are the chances of that success coming to fruition?

Whereas success at club level is not only more impending, but also more likely. I'm also sure that those fans who persistently mention that "they're all too bloody overpaid" would be happy to mention it is the club's who pay their wages.

England should take priority at the end of seasons leading into major championships in the slender hope that we can 'banish the ghosts of 1966' but until such times the players should always but club over country, head over heart.


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