As Boxing Day games go this was a bumper special with 29 goals and 5 sending offs, but the authorities are threatening to remove our Christmas schedule to bring us in line with the other top leagues in Europe. FFC columnist Rob Facey looks at the implementing of a Winter Break in the English game and assesses its real value in enhancing the future of our national side's performance. 

PFA chief Gordon Taylor has once again brought up the possibility of introducing a winter break into the domestic season. Would fans would be willing to sacrifice the traditional festive period of football for a better chance of success at a major tournament? Whether a realistic suggestion or just an excuse for England's poor performances at recent finals, how likely is this to happen?

The introduction of a winter break remains a debatable point in English football. Fans would oppose it, naturally, as no football over Christmas would be as unpalatable as no turkey for others. They have already seen the traditional Saturday kick off times changed to accommodate broadcasting packages, so a whole new fixture programme is hardly likely to enthrall them.

Of course, this whole proposal is based on the premise that that England would definitely perform better if they arrived at tournaments with the benefit of a break. Regardless of proof to back this claim up, this is the line the PFA are towing, covering the FA and other authorities providing excuses for why a major candidate for the 2018 World Cup is struggling to progress to the next finals.

If England was to win that particular contest to host 2018, with Russia ironically providing the stiffest competition, then there would certainly be more pressure on the FA to introduce a break for the benefit of the national team. We would know by 2010 if we are likely to host the World Cup and by if successful they would, in short, have to introduce a respite of some sort during the winter period.

The FA would benefit from being placed in this position. If we were to host and win the finals questions would be raised as to why the break was not implemented sooner though these would be forgotten every time the trophy is paraded.

If England were to fail gallantly, similar to Euro 96, then the break would be heralded as a contributing factor also. The only way the break would be slammed is if England were knocked out at the group stages.

Nobody is denying that the hectic schedule does affect performances - Steven Gerrard being a prime example of someone whose England duty has affected his form for Liverpool. On the other hand, Wayne Rooney's season was galvanised after he found his finishing boots for England.

It remains to be seen what the TV bosses would make of this proposal, as ultimately they will hold the key. They have, as I have mentioned, dictated the times we watch our football so what is to stop them totally changing the dates to suit their needs. As fans we are almost helpless in these situations as the FA is always keen to listen to a potential moneymaking scheme.

The FA will have to consider this very carefully over the next few years. If we were to break from tradition and uproot the foundations of the domestic season, it may aid the cause of the national team. The only problem is, of course, is that it may not.