Revealed: The shocking attitude to call-ups that mean England will always be light years behind Spain

By Steve Stammers

Published 08:00 16/11/11

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The voice at the other end of the phone was disbelieving.

"What do you mean about talking to the clubs? And what do you mean by no-shows? I am sorry .... but in Spain that is not an issue."

That is a summary of a conversation between a high-ranking FA official whose brief is to oversee the development of young players with England to his Spanish counterpart.

In Spain, you see, they take international football seriously .... at all levels and at all ages. Does it work? Have a look at the trophy cabinet in the Spanish Football Association and on display will be the World Cup and another that signifies they are European champions.

In Spain - and indeed in Germany and  Holland - clubs are notified that their players are required to report. It's not "can they?", but "they will".

Contrast that to what happens in England. Anonymity is a requirement to avoid future conflict and ill-feeling but both these examples are true.

One player was wanted for a summer tournament in South America. He didn't report. He was on the fringe of the first team squad and his manager used a cruel emotional blackmail. "Ok - you go. But you will need a rest after the tournament and we would already be well into pre-season when you come back. I can't guarantee you will be part of the first team straight away." The player didn't go.

Then there was a recent Under-19 match in midweek. Two players were requested from one club - but the club refused. They were needed for a RESERVE match.

In other European countries, it wouldn't be an issue. In England, it is a major problem.

It wasn't that long ago that any call-up for an England squad would warrant a mention in the club programme on match day. Indeed if the player concerned was at the match, he might well have been presented on the pitch.

Then there was the case of Leicester City some 30 years ago. Jock Wallace - as proud a Scotsman as you could find - was manager and had two promising young players in his first team. They were David Buchanan and Andy Peake.

England youth team manager John Cartwright wanted the pair for a midweek Under-18 match ... which was a day after a Leicester match.

Wallace released them, saying: "How could I say no? The most important thing in sport is to represent your country. I could not deny them that honour."

Times have clearly changed. International football is an inconvenience to many clubs rather than a source of pride.

At full international level, the problem is not so evident. At the levels below, there is a huge issue. But only in England - not in Spain, Germany or Holland.

And it needs to change. An international call needs to become a badge of honour, not a source of irritation.

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