IT’S the weekend football fans like me dread – the international break.

With less than two months until the end of the domestic season and with crucial Premier League and Championship fixtures still ahead, nervous supporters will be made to sit through pointless friendlies and the odd important European qualifier hoping their player of the season does not get injured or fatigued while playing for their country.

The best players are often withdrawn with unspecified injuries in the battle of club versus country, and why would I want to see Roy Hodgson’s, pictured, finest flounder again?

I know I should be more patriotic and get involved in the hype but I have long since given up watching England play, especially in non-competitive matches, as I can’t remember the last time I actually enjoyed watching one.