Europe soccer friendlies under fire
Club versus country debate rages as France, England, Germany, Sweden, Norway and Italy line up, minus many of their star performers
Several high-profile European friendlies are set for today but "friendly" would not be the term to be used with how they have been viewed by hard-pressed club managers.
The 2006 World Cup final rematch of France and victors Italy, Germany taking on old rivals the Netherlands and England playing Sweden in a rematch of their thrilling Euro 2012 clash where the English prevailed 3-2 would normally have great appeal.
However, the only appeal the schedule seems to have engendered is an appeal from the club managers for a more reasonable approach to the international schedule while the friendlies have also been further weakened with withdrawals because of injuries.
Leading the calls for reason to prevail were the usual suspects of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Alex Ferguson of Manchester United, who are even more furious because these friendlies don't even serve a purpose for preparing for 2014 World Cup qualifiers as the next batch are in March.
"Friendly games at this time of year don't mean a thing to me," Ferguson said.
Wenger's main concern is his star midfielder Jack Wilshere who was recalled by England manager Roy Hodgson, after playing only three matches since a 17-month lay-off with injury.