Green light for Four Nations

Smith disappointed by England snub

Last updated: 11th April 2008

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Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have agreed to take part in a Four Nations Tournament from 2011.

Each championship will have a host team, who will change on a rotational basis, and all matches will take place in their country.

Fixtures already in place for the next two and a half years prevented the tournament being added to the international schedule with immediate effect, or from next year.

With the 2010 World Cup qualifiers already fixed in place on the calendar, there was little prospect of beginning until after the tournament in South Africa for practical reasons.

England have declined the opportunity to be involved in the revived version of the Home Internationals.

And Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith admitted he was disappointed that the Three Lions would not be taking part.

Bigger

"England have been approached," Smith told Radio Scotland. "England have made it clear they don't want to be part of this kind of tournament now.

"They maybe see themselves as being a bigger nation and going for bigger friendlies, more high-profile friendlies.

"We would have liked England to be involved."

Each country will be hoping the four-team tournament proves a money-spinner and adds a competitive edge to matches outside the World Cup and European Championship.

Smith added: "We're looking at having a tournament where we all play each other, so it's three games, and we're looking at having one game in February and two in May to tie up the tournament and have a winner established."

Although 2011 has not been inked in as a definite starting point for the Four Nations, it is highly likely to begin then.