The home nations championship
Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 6:18 pmThe problem England (and the Home Nations) face is that they simply don't play enough games as a team. Barring friendlies which are often used improperly and are seen as somewhat of a chore, due to the lack of competitiveness inherant in the concept of a "friendly" (IE: nothing is at stake).
There is a solution. An old one.
The return of the Home Nations Championship.
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Eire (assuming they all wanted to take part).
Competitiveness is built in. A natural rivalry exists between these nations. Keep in mind that it was largely scrapped due to civil unrest in Northern Ireland and problems with hooliganism. Problems that are relatively mild now compared to the 70's and 80's.
When could it be held? Summer. Odd years. Every two years. 2007, 2009, 2011 etc....all years where there is no major football international tournament. No World Cup. No EURO Championships. Between the Home Nations Championship and World Cup/EURO qualifiers, there should be plenty of games for England (or whoever) to gel as a squad and for tactics and strategy to be honed.
Each championship could be rotated between the Home Nations. Say with England hosting in 2007, Scotland hosting in 2009, Wales hosting in 2011 etc...Stadium improvements (which are needed anyway) would be required. Each team would play only four games. The competition could be held during a relatively small period of time, say over the course of a two week period. One game in the afternoon, one game in the evening. No draws permitted. If a match is level after 90 minutes, it goes straight to penalties. More dramatic that way and it allows players to practice a shootout in a competitive setting.
The object would be similar to the Six Nations, where the goal is not only to "win" the Championship, but also to gain the "Grand Slam" and beat all other Home Nations.
There is a solution. An old one.
The return of the Home Nations Championship.
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Eire (assuming they all wanted to take part).
Competitiveness is built in. A natural rivalry exists between these nations. Keep in mind that it was largely scrapped due to civil unrest in Northern Ireland and problems with hooliganism. Problems that are relatively mild now compared to the 70's and 80's.
When could it be held? Summer. Odd years. Every two years. 2007, 2009, 2011 etc....all years where there is no major football international tournament. No World Cup. No EURO Championships. Between the Home Nations Championship and World Cup/EURO qualifiers, there should be plenty of games for England (or whoever) to gel as a squad and for tactics and strategy to be honed.
Each championship could be rotated between the Home Nations. Say with England hosting in 2007, Scotland hosting in 2009, Wales hosting in 2011 etc...Stadium improvements (which are needed anyway) would be required. Each team would play only four games. The competition could be held during a relatively small period of time, say over the course of a two week period. One game in the afternoon, one game in the evening. No draws permitted. If a match is level after 90 minutes, it goes straight to penalties. More dramatic that way and it allows players to practice a shootout in a competitive setting.
The object would be similar to the Six Nations, where the goal is not only to "win" the Championship, but also to gain the "Grand Slam" and beat all other Home Nations.
Imagine England V Scotland biggest murder ever 
(will this create some interesting debate?? 
)
