It's a popular belief that Wednesday's England friendly against Ghana serves no purpose other than to disrupt teams at an important stage of the season but Fabio Capello has to have some time with the players at some stage.
If the nation really wants an improvement on our World Cup performance at the Euros in 2012 then we've got to accept that the manager needs to spend some time with the players.
Most fans appear to be united in the opinion that yesterday's 2-0 win over Wales was like watching paint dry but it was a solid, professional performance and probably a necessary starting block as Capello tries to regain his grip on a coaching reign that seems to be slipping through his fingers.
It is in Tottenham's interest that England keep winning because much more press criticism and the FA will be slithering up Tottenham High Road with a juicy red apple for Harry Redknapp.
It's nice to see Capello cooperating with the clubs and releasing a group of players who have a busy schedule coming up; it's a common-sense move that will not only please the clubs that benefit but should recieve some rare praise in the media - although that's not taking into account the potential shitstorm if someone like Jack Wilshere or Joe Hart suffer an injury.
You could also question why he's kept Aaron Lennon and Peter Crouch when he seems so confused as to how to employ them or reluctant to use them at all.
On the whole, the squad the Italian is now left with is much younger and impressionable than previously and if there was ever a time to concentrate on practising a new system and fashioning some much-needed team morale then this is surely it.
It's relatively early days in the England careers of Wilshere, Ashley Young and even Lennon and Darren bent but it's important that they form an understanding and, above all, become mates.
The so-called golden generation suffered so much from celebrity and massaged egos that bonds between team-mates went out the window.
It really is back to basics for Capello but if this new look England team is to have any hope of settling in a rhythm, then they need to spend time together..
That said, if Lennon and Crouch get injured on Wednesday then I reserve the right to change my tune.
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