August Internationals foolish?

Next week is an official international week in the FIFA football calender and as a consequence the majority of International football teams will take part in friendly matches around the world, in Europe this is in preparation for Euro 2012.

In England some have voiced their dissatisfaction and amazement at such a fixture; days before the English football season kicks off. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp and Sky Sports commentator Andy Gray to name but two examples. But when you consider the wider picture is it really amazing or foolish or is it sensible and correct?

Some European Football seasons are already in mid flow, Russia and Ireland for example, some have already started, France and The Netherlands as added examples and some won't begin until the end of August, Spain and Italy to complete the examples.

Moreover, the first competitive Euro 2012 qualifier kicks off in the first week of September, so it's only right to arrange a friendly match beforehand to help aid managers to fine tune. The fixtures cannot be scheduled in the final two weeks of August due to Champions League and Europa League play-offs so therefore the earlier moment is week commencing 9th August, the week the English Premier league kicks off.

Redknapp and Gray's views feel unsurprisingly myopic, for Spurs and the Premier League respectively and so they should, their protect their own interests. But if they considered the wider picture, maybe they'll still dislike the idea but at least they could demonstrate to the public they understand it, as the decision to play internationals next week isn't amazing or foolish, it is sensible and correct.

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