International Friendlies

What's your opinion on International Friendlies ?

What will England really get out of this weeks games ?

Are they a waste of time ?

Should they be used to experiment with players and tactics ?

What do you think ......

They are fast becoming a waste of time. They are good for the cap collectors I suppose but that's it in my opinion.

Whilst they are, or least should be, useful for looking at new players and testing out different systems they make no difference to the bigger picture.

England could beat Spain 5-0 this afternoon but what would it mean? Nothing really! Argentina beat the Spaniards 4-1 last year but so what!!

But whilst friendlies are well attended (a full house at Wembley is expected today) then they will always be there to be picked at.

I'd rather just see us have international get-togethers. I hate all this disruption to our league calendar.

I agree with you , on all your points .

Dont see the point in risking players getting injured either

Having said all that though I am going to contradict myself here a little and say that one of the best international matches I have ever seen was England V Argentina in 2005 played in Switzerland.

We won 3-2 with Owen bagging the winner. Riqelme, in that game anyway, looked every bit as good as Xavi does today.

Remember that match Kenny?

Yes i think so didn't Ledley King play a defensive midfield role ? Owen got 2 late goals

Spot on!!!

The team that day:


1Paul Robinson
2Luke Young 80'
3Wayne Bridge HT
4Steven Gerrard
5Rio Ferdinand
6John Terry
7David Beckham (c)
8Frank Lampard
9Wayne Rooney
10Michael Owen
11Ledley King 58'

12Paul Konchesky HT
19Joe Cole 58'
20Peter Crouch 80'

our fullbacks were strong

Good win for Wales there, beat Norway 4-1 though you have to wonder how on earth Norway were in pot 1 for the next qualifier, done nothing for years and have no star players.