The men in suits in Zurich have blinked. Just when it looked like the international break schedule was about to be shoved into the blender for the sak...
The men in suits in Zurich have blinked. Just when it looked like the international break schedule was about to be shoved into the blender for the sake of television rights and logistics, Fifa has performed a rather swift U turn on their plans to bring forward England's friendly against Mexico. This is not just a win for the FA; it is a quiet victory for common sense and the practicalities of tournament preparation.Let's be honest, the idea of shifting the kick off time at the last minute smacked of a lack of respect for the fine margins of elite preparation. Gareth Southgate and his backroom staff, who operate on a science of sleep patterns, meal timing, and tactical walkthroughs, would have been forced to tear up their schedule. For the Mexican side, a team that thrives on transitional play and high energy, a sudden change of clock would have been equally disruptive. The fact that both national associations went directly to Fifa and said "hold on a minute" shows that the cartel does sometimes listen to the horses pulling it.From a fan perspective, this was squeaky bum time. Thousands of supporters, many of whom have already booked their travel and accommodation around the original slot, were staring down the barrel of a logistical nightmare. You do not just shift an international fixture on a whim. It reeks of the sort of amateur hour behaviour that gives FIFA a bad name. Thankfully, cooler heads have prevailed. The fixture remains unchanged, the tactical analysis remains valid, and the beer in the concourses will still flow at the appropriate hour.Let's not pretend this is a seismic moment in football history. It is, however, a telling sign of the power of consultation. When the governing body tries to flex its muscles without talking to the people who actually play and manage the game, they quickly find themselves on the back foot. This is a reminder that the relationship between the international federation and the national associations is not a dictatorial one. The pitch, ultimately, belongs to the players and the coaches.So, the show goes on as planned. England will face Mexico, the kick off time is safe, and the only variable remaining is the form on the day. For now, that is good enough.
