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George writes:

Sometimes it feels like the build-up to the World Cup is greater than the actual event. All of the friendlies and speculation of who will make the roster really gets me going. Players seem to be much more focused and really come into a World Cup year in terrific form and obsessed with getting playing time. Now, the optimistic side of me says that it’s great that players are so full of nationalistic spirit that they’ll push themselves to be in peak physical condition as well as in the best playing form they can have.

One example of that is Michael Owen. He knew that his spot on the England roster was in doubt if he was unable to get regular first team action at Real Madrid, even if he had another successful year as a super-sub who can come on and get a goal when needed. However, his options were very limited. So much so that he had to accept a spot at Newcastle which he clearly did not want to do. He clearly dragged his feet so long that his only real options were Newcastle and Wigan. While he opted for the larger club, I wonder if he somehow wishes he had gone to the JJB and could have possibly helped Wigan’s push for a spot in Europe when he's back from his broken ankle.

Another example of this is Wayne Bridge. He knew that if continued to sit on the Chelsea bench behind William Gallas and Asier Del Horno, his England spot was definitely in doubt. (As an aside, does anyone understand why Del Horno was valued so highly over Bridge? His poor form, especially in the Barcelona match when Messi made him look like a deranged hack, and Mourinho’s insistence on playing Gallas on the outside could cost Chelsea dearly. From my vantage point, I would much prefer a backline of Ferreira, Gallas, Terry & Bridge to the back four he’s been throwing out there. Unless Gallas starts to get regular time in central defense (he’s much better than Carvalho), he may not resign with Chelsea since he hates playing on the left. I could really see him ending up on Real Madrid. I have no knowledge of this, it’s just a hunch. Anyhoo, back to my original point). However, with Ashley Cole’s injury problems persisting, Bridge saw a real opportunity to perhaps gain a spot in Sven’s first XI.

Now in a normal year, no way that Bridge goes on loan or even thinks about leaving Chelsea for Fulham. Fulham is way too small of a club and with Chelsea’s crowded fixture list, he would see enough time on the pitch which would satisfy his appetite for first team action. But with a chance at a World Cup spot hanging out there, players like Bridge will do anything to be there, even play at a club that they might think is beneath them. In Mourinho’s defense, at least he was smart enough to only make it a loan deal rather than a transfer (like Chelsea would really need the cash!)

Now, part of this has to do with national pride, but a lot has to do with cold, hard moulah. If a player performs well at the greatest stage that the sport can offer, he’ll stand to be a very hot commodity in the club market and could profit from a lucrative transfer, new contract or even an endorsement deal. I know that this is a jaded way to look at it, but unfortunately, it’s the way of the world. And because of this mindset, we get to see great football for the next several months.