Club England Managing Director Adrian Bevington believes Three Lions game against Italy at Stade De Suisse, Berne, Switzerland on 15 August is crucial to the country's preparation for FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Bevington said: 'We have the game in Berne and then it's straight into the qualifying programme after that with Moldova and Ukraine and then the double-header with San Marino and Poland in October, so we have four games this year before we enter the bulk of the fixtures in 2013.
'So it's an important game and it's important to stress that there's something in the region of 38 games taking place on that date so most of the major teams in world football will be in action.
'There is always this conjecture over the date of this fixture every year, and I can see it from the clubs' point of view. Their thoughts, undoubtedly, are looking forward to the start of the season, so this fixture comes right in the middle of it.
'Ultimately, whether England play or not, most of the clubs in the Premier League are going to be without their players who are representing the other countries who play that night.
'So, whilst I understand their position, from our side of things we don't want to put ourselves at a disadvantage by not playing.
'If we didn't take that game, we'd have one less preparation game than our rivals going into the qualifying games, so it's important that if they're all playing, then so should we.
'It gives Roy an opportunity to look at a few new things and perhaps experiment with a few new faces.
'I'm sure Roy will take the opportunity to look at one or two new faces in the Italy game and along the way and it's encouraging that he's someone who is keen to speak to the players.'
Aug. 7, 2012.
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