A number of controversies have arisen from the last two matches of the English national side. However, there is increasing concern about the possibility that England might have to qualify for Brazil via the play offs.
The Football Association has reached preliminary agreements to stage what should be lucrative friendly internationals against Germany, and Uruguay or Argentina, at Wembley in November. These would have to be called off if England had to go down the play off route.
A number of controversies have arisen from the last two matches of the English national side. However, there is increasing concern about the possibility that England might have to qualify for Brazil via the play offs.
The Football Association has reached preliminary agreements to stage what should be lucrative friendly internationals against Germany, and Uruguay or Argentina, at Wembley in November. These would have to be called off if England had to go down the play off route.
Should England fail to qualify at all, it would cost the FA some £20m. Participation is also estimated to give a £100m boost to the economy. Although this would be a welcome stimulus, the effects tend not to be lasting and are concentrated on particular sectors such as alcoholic drinks and gambling.