For some teams competing at Euro 2022 this summer, preparations are in full swing. Indeed, ‘eat, train, sleep and repeat’ is the current mindset as the dream of major tournament silverware looms large.
But while teams like England, France and Spain boast squads made up solely of full-time professionals, with players able to train and play when required, other sides, such as Northern Ireland, Portugal and Finland are not quite so fortunate.
In recent months, much has been made of the gulf in class between the bigger European nations and the smaller nations they often come across during qualification for major competitions.
After England’s record breaking 20-0 win over Latvia last year, Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman suggested it wasn’t good for the development of the game to have such uncompetitive matches.
Yet, for countries like Latvia, which rely predominantly on determination and team spirit, rather than frequent coaching and professional conditioning, ridding them of the chance to play bigger nations and benefit financially, would be a worst case scenario.
Indeed, for full-time teams, players get to train more often, go full-time at a younger age and ultimately become more technically proficient.
Because of this, the gap between countries is ever increasing and more must be done to ensure the opposite starts to happen.
In terms of this summer’s European Championships, every side that has qualified for the competition has done so on merit, but nonetheless, there is still a sizeable difference in quality when it comes to some teams.
Northern Ireland, for example, have played England on three occasions in the last 15 months –– losing 6-0, 4-0 and 5-0.
Kenny Shiels’ side have qualified for a major competition for
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