Is international football even that important to the players anymore?
I would suggest outside of using it as a measure of their value when it comes to contract negotiation time most players consider it a bit of an inconvenience.
Interesting article recently by the 'secret footballer' who indicated that for many they looked at post season international matches as just eating into their holiday time.
Comes to something when playing in a World Cup is of secondary to the tables of Las Vegas .
Then again I guess it's a job to them whilst for many supporters it remains a passion.