Ronaldinho would bring problems to Blues’ party

I’M usually bored out of my head on international breaks, but this was no ordinary weekend and we were reminded of what a fantastic game football really is; how it can affect the mood of an individual or indeed an entire nation.

The Israel-Russia game must have had the biggest viewing figures of any international game in England not involving the team, bar perhaps the World Cup final.

The Chelsea England boys played their part in ensuring an Israeli win. Ben Haim had not only been promised a holiday by Joe Cole, but had received a phone call from the England captain wishing him luck and no doubt warning him of the consequences of failure which would be carried out at Cobham. I suspect Ben Sahar received similar instructions.