National teams

representing England, Wales and Scotland and Northern Ireland compete against one another annually, and take part in European Competitions, the World Cup Competition and other international matches.
The crowds attending the big matches are not as large as they used to be-there is a steady decline in numbers. One reason for this is the violence on and off the field. Crowds of young spectators, often under the influence of drink get into fights and do untold damage. After some matches, shop windows in the vicinity of the football grounds are smashed up, as well as some of the buses and trains that carry the football crowds.