There has been much said about alliances recently, and much debate about them in our private forum too. Opinion is very divided, both across the WoF tournament as a whole, and across our own squad. I think a public post on the position England will take is required.
I cannot speak for the opinions of England as a whole, because everyone has their own opinion, so any opinions are my own. But I can speak for the approach England will adopt as a team, and I believe and hope I have chosen an approach that is roughly reflective of the 'average' of opinions amongst our team.
I personally think an alliance between two teams who might be considered amongst the favourites even standing alone (I include all semi-finalists in that category) is not in the best interest of WoF, and I think quite a few other people in the squad feel in a similar way. I have spoken to some team Captains and read/heard the opinions of others. Team England will not pursue an alliance with any teams still remaining in the competition now. I do not believe there will be any other such alliances made in these semifinals amongst the other teams involved either.
That is not to say I think alliances are 'bad'. I'm proud of what we've achieved so far this year, and what we achieved last year. And both years it has been with alliances as well as help from friends and socmates. I don't feel any need to apologise for that, and other teams do the same. I think the cooperation we have had between our neighbouring countries, and the fact players of other countries wish to support us and we wish to support them, is a good thing. As it is said, you can judge a man by his foes and by his friends. Well, we have some good friends, and few enemies. I think that reflects well on us, our country, our friends, and the other nations who take part in this competition.
So whilst we shan't pursue an alliance with another semifinalist we should still encourage soc-mates, friends, and allies to join us in the battle to reach the semi-final. They will be fighting alongside us and we should feel honoured that they choose to do so. And we need everyone we can get, this is a tough fight and an even tougher one lies ahead.
Opinion is very divided amongst the participants in the tournament, and amongst our own squad. Some would prefer to see only people playing who's nationality is that of their nation, some would prefer to make any alliances that improve the chances of success, some lie somewhere in between. There are no clear lines, and no right choice or wrong choice. Everyone has a different opinion, and everyone is entitled to their opinion. Let's respect the opinions of other teams and not offer judgement on those who think differently to us, and let's hope they return that sentiment towards us.
What I have chosen is fitting with my sense of patriotism, and also I think a reasonable average of the various opinions expressed by the squad. We are a nation with a long and globally significant history, we are a culturally diverse nation, and we are a proud nation. We have a unique relationship with our neighbours, and if they and our other friends wish to fight and play alongside us then we can be proud of that and glad that we do not stand alone.
Now, enough politics, good luck to all Semi-Finalists. Let's play WoF!
