Howard Kendall: International apathy never ceases to amaze me

IT JUST astounds me when you hear about players withdrawing from international matches.

Harry Catterick used to withdraw us from England squads all the time when I was playing for him at Everton. Bally used to say “I’m going!” and storm upstairs to have it out with the boss. I remember once phoning Alf Ramsey myself to let him know in no uncertain terms that whatever he’d heard to the contrary – I certainly was not injured!

There was nothing I could do about it but it was very frustrating. With modern players it seems like, for some of them at least, there has been a shift in their priorities when it comes to international football. Undoubtedly there are now more friendlies than ever so the demand on players to play for their country is probably higher than ever, but it must remain one of the ultimate goals for any footballer. You should always want to play for your country and for me, that should be something players savour and hunger for.

I know that looking back at my time as a player we were desperate to play for England and as Bally proved he’d go to any lengths to make it happen – even taking on a manager who didn’t want him to. Related stories From around the web Related Tags