With many complaining about Fabio Capello's decision to drop several of England's stars for the upcoming friendly against Ghana on Tuesday, it's probably a good idea to have some perspective about just where this match ranks in terms of the importance scale. While England playing against a team like Ghana might provide some fun viewing (and nobody is denying that the Black Stars aren't an exciting team that don't get the respect that they deserve), in terms of its impact on trophies, league position, etc, it's simply an irrelevance.
England Vs. Ghana, Preview: Club Over Country From 7500 To Holte
John Terry has a Chelsea team to run. Wayne Rooney needs to get Manchester United back on track as they pursue their nineteenth league title. Michael Dawson needs to get ready for a Champions League ready quarter-final. Four out of the five players rested played ninety minutes in the Euro 2012 qualifier in Cardiff - a game that has a meaning - and they’re on clubs that have a ludicrously tight fixture schedule. There’s no reason whatsoever to play them, and it’s disrespectful to the clubs to risk their help in an ultimately meaningless match.
I couldn't watch [Wales vs. England]. I know Ashley Young was superb, but I couldn't bear the anxiety. There are those that think there's no point to Ash, but losing him from Villa in the midst of a relegation battle would certainly not help the club stay up. And Darren Bent can't ever score again if he's injured on the sidelines.
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And now we've got friendlies today. Stephen Appiah, former Ghana captain, has said that England's decision to send home key players is "disrespectful." Let's get a grip, shall we? Fabio Capello sent home players from Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur: all teams still playing in the Champions League. This is a friendly. Not a match where trophies are handed out at the end. If I were a fan of one of those teams, I'd be clamoring for my players to return, England be damned.
People complaining about England playing a second string team have simply got to get a grip. No club wants their players to be racking up time in meaningless international matches, and losing an international-calibre player in a game that doesn’t help anyone could ruin a whole season. Now’s not the time to be complaining about the strength of the England side.
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