England miss out on new home nations tournament
Giovanni Trapattoni could lead the Republic of Ireland against the other home nations
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Thursday, 18, Sep 2008 08:51
England have been left out of a international tournament which will involve the rest of the home nations in 2011.
Scotland, Wales, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland will compete in the Four Associations Tournament. The tournament will be in a league format with all the games being played in Dublin. Two matches will be played in February and four more in May of the same year.
The English Football Association were asked to take part in initial meetings in regards to holding a tournament which would include them, but they declined the invitation. But even without England, the other nations are confident the event will be a success.
"This will be the first time Ireland has hosted a senior international tournament and the atmosphere around Dublin will be tremendous with all the travelling fans," said John Delaney, chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland.
"With so many connections between the countries there are bragging rights at stake, and it's sure to grab the attention of people across the UK and Ireland."
Howard Wells, the chief executive of Northern Ireland football, expected the tournament to be a success saying "commercial and tourism perspective it will provide a showcase for governments to support and market".
The old home nations competition, which did include England, was played from 1883-1984, with Northern Ireland claiming the trophy in 1984.