England Set To Miss Out On Home Nations Cup

Reports are mounting that the home nations are about to unveil a new football tournament, to be called the Celtic Cup, but that the competition to be staged as early as next February will not feature England.

Under the proposals, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will play fixtures in February and March with the conclusion to the competition coming in May.

The FA is reported to have about a week to come to an agreement if they wish the England team to take part but is believed to be stalling over fears of too heavy a fixture list.

The Celtic Cup remains subject to confirmation but it is likely to be played every two years.

The competition would have a similar format to the old Home Championship which was staged every year until 1984, the event being eventually scrapped because of increasing fixture congestion.

In the wake of England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he would welcome the revival of home internationals for the four home nations.