England vs. Switzerland

[MC Prussian]

I know I'm very early with this.

But there's been some happenings in the Swiss camp that put this fixture under a bit of a new light.

Alex Frei, Switzerland's No.1 striker and most successful goalscorer, has put in his immediate resignation from the national team - alongside strike partner and childhood buddy, Marco Streller.

They quote the rise of negative outside forces before, during and after national team matches, pointing at the (oftentimes justified) criticism they had to face in recent weeks and months by both the press and the fans.

Frei has developed into a shadow of his former self, missing too many chances, mouthing off other players, the coach or the fans.

As for Streller, I think it's a bit of an odd decision and it's clear he trusts his best friend Frei more than he does trust his own judgement.

This means England will most likely be looking at an even easier walk in the park comes June.

We're now quite undermanned up front and some of the more appropriate replacements are not fit, have hardly played (Gavranovic, Ben Khalifa) or are still injured (Bunjaku).

I also wonder where Johan Vonlanthen has ended up these days - been shunned by Red Bull Salzburg for almost two years now.

Maybe you'll see Eren Derdiyok facing Hart all on his own in a 4-5-1.

Since this hits me as a slightly awkward moment to quit playing for one's national team and since I can't recall a similar instance in an other country, let me ask you this:

Can you remember an England striker quitting the game before the last game in a EC/WC qualification was even played due to such "personal" reasons?

[SOCCERROO FOX]

Said really as i always liked Frei.

I have a bit of a soft spot for Switzerland now there fans were good fun at the WC, players played brilliantly against Spain which was a privelldge to be there to see and when i went to Switzerland it is an Amazing place.

[hairy]

This means England will most likely be looking at an even easier walk in the park comes June.

No such thing for England.

Can you remember an England striker quitting the game before the last game in a EC/WC qualification was even played due to such "personal" reasons?

No but I remember a manager walking because he was booed off and I think he stated personal reasons at the time.

[Haydos]

I also wonder where Johan Vonlanthen has ended up these days - been shunned by Red Bull Salzburg for almost two years now.

Vonlanthen starts off on football manager with a year long ban.

After having a look around it seems that Salzberg haven't given him a squad number this season and didn't want him to play due to problems with a knee injury mixed with personal issues

[The Year Of The Fox]

Another 3 points followed by a night in the flying scotsman

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

Sven should make a move for Vonlanthen.

[MC Prussian]

Sven should make a move for Vonlanthen.

Now that you mention it, the situation resembles Vassell's a little when the latter was at Ankaragücü.