Time for English Football State of Origin

Origin is huge success in Australia. 

Every year I watch the State of Origin in Australian Rugby League witnesses passion, drama and great entertainment. This is where the states of Queensland and New South Wales faces each other in a three match series.

The series has been a huge success since its creation in the early 1980's and is now one of the most anticipated matches of the year in Australia with sell out crowds and a worldwide audience.

I have always wondered why this idea is not used in English football. You could easily have North v South. Having sat through numerous boring friendlies for the England team, this would be something new and different. I think it would be a great concept as it could be seen as almost a trial match for the England team.

Also I believe the British public will get behind it, and I am sure they would be sell outs if sold/marketed properly. You could have three matches held over the country.

Game 1: North - Old Trafford

Game 2: South - The Emirates

Game 3: Midlands - Villa Park

Also to prevent the chance of draws, if level after 90 minutes it should go straight to penalties. The pressure of this would be the closest the pressure of a World Cup or European Championships. 

Now the teams would be an issue whether they are decided by birth place, first professional appearance, club and also which side to players from the Midlands go on. Personally I would say birth-place and players from the midlands can be selected by either side, so if chosen by both the player decides. Decisions by these players stick, you could not play for South one year and North the next.  

Also you would have to decide whether Scottish and Welsh players would be allowed to play. Personally I would say no but it is open to debate. 

For Example :

TEAM SOUTH:

                                          HART

G.JOHNSON          TERRY           FERDINAND            COLE

                  LAMPARD    PARKER      WILSHERE

WALCOTT                       DEFOE                           STURRDIGE



Manager : Harry Redknapp




TEAM NORTH :

                                             FOSTER

   JONES                LESCOTT        CAHILL              BAINES

                    GERRARD    CARRICK        MILNER

  A. JOHNSON                ROONEY                         WELBECK
                                   



Manager : David Moyes

This is just hypothetical. But I would want to see this.

Obviously there are many obstacles, such as the clubs and scheduling but I think the FA should work with the Premier League to make it happen. It is a guaranteed sell out with rights sold around the world. 

It would benefit the England team and Roy Hodgson as he would see these players without the foreigners around them to judge them. It would also highlight the growing issue of lack of English players in the Premier League and it could also be a stepping stone between club and county. 

I will be sending this idea to the FA.