Why I fell out of love with the England national team:

There must be some other reasons for the nation’s lack of patriotism. From thinking back to my youth, and from talking to fans of older generations, international football was the pinaccle. Now not only I, but I would venture the majority, would rather see their club team succeed in the League or in Europe than see the national side win. This has gradually happened over the last two decades, arguably because of the enormous success of the Premier League.

It may also be because having had the England side hyped up to ridiculous levels by the media before every major tournament, we are destined to failure, and the only chance most fans can see for success is with their club side. According to the media, our ‘Golden generation’ of Gerrard, Lampard and Becks were to flourish in 2006, and now that that chance has flown by quicker than Rooney’s studs towards the crotch of Ricardo Carvalho, we are left wondering when our next chance will be.

Patriotism works best when there is a clear opposition; America has its War on Terror, the England football team has the Germans and the Argentinians. It is partly for this reason that I have been supportive of the often debated revival of the Home Nations competition. The atmosphere when we played Wales in 2004 was just brilliant, despite my Mum having to cover my brothers ears from what the fans were claiming the Welsh enjoyed doing to sheep. There is nothing better to stir the nation than an old rivalry. I could not have been a bigger fan of my countries national team.

I’ve been to nigh on 60 England games in the last 15 years, including France ’98 and beating Germany in Euro 2000, and even my enthusiasm is beginning to wane.

Hopefully, we have a good game today against the Welsh, and give the home of football something to be proud of.

ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.

Click here to have a look out our predictions for the 2011/2012 Premier League Season!

Or have a look at the ten strikers that we think will lead the race for the Golden Boot next season