17 Nov 2025 07:15:18
I have to say why is there a need to play your main men in a friendly, Gabs is the outstanding performer in the PL this year, along with Haaland, so why bloody play him, I just don't get it.
17 Nov 2025 13:22:46
All internationals are main men for their clubs mate, regardless of whether they are Arsenal and Man City players fighting for titles or Burnley and West Ham players fighting against relegation.
Losing players to injuries is always really disappointing and even more disappointing when it happens on international duty but unfortunately it's part and parcel of football for all clubs who's players also play for their countries.
18 Nov 2025 13:38:42
As a club we should be a bit cleverer, SAF in his pomp pulled players out of internationals when they had a big week, its a known fact.
We should do the same especially when Friendlies are involved.
A little naive I think.
18 Nov 2025 16:50:08
But what about if a player wants to play for their country at every opportunity?
It seems England players don't want to miss out on any minutes in any games under Tuchel, maybe it's the same with Brazil. Preventing a player from playing for their country is against fifa rules and would most likely lead to the player themselves wanting to leave a club that tried to prevent them from doing so.
Its just one of those things unfortunately and like it or not we just have to suck it up and hope he's back soon.
19 Nov 2025 08:33:24
Back in the day, yes. But with club wages and bonus's the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is in club football rather than international friendlies.
I think you are a tad blinkered if you think players are desperate to play for their country in a friendly . I'm talking established internationals here, not those desperate for a first cap.
19 Nov 2025 19:58:15
Bellingham seemed pretty annoyed to be subbed in a game that didn't matter and Rogers was apparently very upset not to start that same game, Kane and Rice both pretty well established internationals seemed happy to play too.
If a player really doesn't want to play for his country in a friendly or any other game it's hardly difficult to get out of playing mate. All the evidence points towards players wanting to play for their countries apposed to them being forced to do so against their free will to do otherwise.
Getting injured in an international is a risk every player knows exists but very few choose to opt out now days Ben White is obviously an exception to most player's now days.