It is still unclear whether Manchester United’s Paul Scholes himself made the decision not to play for England this summer, or manager Roy Hodgson.
The Guardian reported yesterday that ‘tentative’ enquiries were made by England – perhaps via Gary Neville – as to whether Scholes could be tempted out of retirement for England.
If true, then the Manchester United midfielder clearly gave the idea short shrift, deciding rather to pack his bags somewhere sunny with his family, rather than the likely misery of Eastern Europe.
Scholes last played an international tournament with England in 2004, out last Euros, ruling himself out of contention – choosing (a) to rest and lengthen his club career and (b) being fed up of being played out wide by Sven Goran Erikssen.
Fabio Capello was reported to have asked him back for the last World Cup, but in Scholes words, ‘the call came too late’ and felt like an afterthought.
A more selfish player perhaps would have taken the call, but he felt he did not want to take away another player’s squad place, even though he said that in hindsight he regretted the decision.
It was speaking of this regret that led pundits to believe he would answer an England SOS this summer, especially with Jack Wilshere injured.
You have to believe that Scholes strongly considered a return, but we have our own theory as to why he did not vocally put himself forward for consideration.
Take Part In Our Euro 2012 Predictor Competition – Free Entry, £4,000 Prize Fund
Since making a shock return to Manchester United in January, and what a return it was, literally announced on the morning he appeared on the teamsheet, it almost seemed too easy for him.
It was as though he never left, spraying passes around, scoring goals, leading United to victory at a canter, even a league winner’s medal seemed assured.
Seemingly nothing could stop him, and while on such a run of form, Euro 2012 would simply be the next chapter of his remarkable comeback.
Then, reality struck. United began to drop points, and against City, he was reminded what it was like to come up against world class opposition.
No disrespect to the Aston Villa’s and the Bolton Wanderers’ of this world, who Scholes was so dominant against, City were a different kettle of fish.
In that match at the Etihad, Yaya Toure was dominant in midfield, Scholes could not get his usual hold on the game, and United struggled.
There is every chance, that match alone, will have nudged Scholes against deciding to compete against Europe’s elite this summer.
Choosing to play on another Premier League season is another thing, he can pick and choose his games, and play the big matches if he is feeling particularly fresh.
The prospect of playing three games in a week with England is a task Scholes also would not have relished, as would being away from his family for such a stretch of time.
The reasons he did not go, are probably multi-faceted, some supporters felt England going for Scholes would be a backwards step, while others felt he is the best player we have and simply had to go.
You can’t help but wonder if a reminder that he is no longer at the level of the world and Europe’s best, played a part.
Should Scholes have made himself available for Euro 2012?
image: © Magnus D
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
