FA: Home Nations and Ireland matches 'would be 2013 one-off'

The Football Association today revealed they were in talks to play the other "home nations", and Ireland, in 2013 but had no interest in reviving the Home International tournament.

The FA are investigating the possibility of holding a series of matches against Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and against Ireland, as part of their 150th anniversary celebrations.

But general secretary Alex Horne poured cold water on the idea it could become a permanent arrangement.

“We’re talking to the home nations about a possible one-off round of matches with them,” said Horne, speaking at the official announcement of the FA’s new partnership with Vauxhall.

“I think we’d be talking about a series of one-off matches in 2013 to mark our 150th anniversary.”

The English FA has also invited the Republic of Ireland to participate in the new-look competition.