The so-called club versus country row is nothing new but, every now and then, it springs to the fore. The debate was resurrected again when Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool's key striker, returned from international duty earlier this season with an injury.
It escalated with England manager Roy Hodgson's statement Raheem Sterling had said he felt tired and was left out of England's game in Estonia.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers denied Sterling had said he was too tired to play and both parties say there is no problem between them, but there quite clearly is.
Less diplomatic has been Jose Mourinho's assessment of striker Diego Costa's injury situation and availability for Spain.
Costa's importance to Chelsea's title challenge cannot be understated, and Mourinho vented his frustration after the striker, who had been nursing a hamstring injury, played twice for Spain during the international break and, as a result, is now out of action for his club.
The discussion is set to increase during the season after Gareth Southgate's England Under-21s qualified for next summer's European Championships in the Czech Republic.
It has led to calls for the cream of England's young crop to be made available, even the ones who have now established themselves in Hodgson's senior squad.
There seems to be no solution to the issue but to Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson the answer is simple.
Pearson is perfectly placed to comment on the topic, having spent time as a coach and manager within the England Under-21s set-up.
As a successful club manager, Pearson can see both sides of the argument.
Defender Liam Moore had last season extended by his inclusion in the England Under-21s squad at the Toulon Tournament and looks set for another busy summer after establishing himself in the side under Southgate.
City midfielder Riyad Mahrez was unavailable for the trip to Newcastle last Saturday after returning from international duty too late
to be involved in the team's preparations.
But while Pearson admits his priority will always be to protect City's interests and ensure he always has his best players available, he thinks the FA could end any debate simply by enforcing the rules already in place to ensure England have their best players available at all times.
"I have been made aware of this as a potential debate but, for me, I don't think there is a debate," he said.
"I think we have it totally the wrong way around. Club managers manage their clubs and do what is best for their clubs.
"The question needs to be asked whether the FA will invoke the rule they should do. Every other federation
does it but, unfortunately in this country, our federation seem reluctant to invoke the rules.
"That probably stems from the fact the FA don't have the clout other federations have and that is because the clubs basically run football in this country.
"When the Premier League changed there was a shift in power. Ultimately, it is whether our federation invokes the clause that is there and allows them to call players up. They can call them up. Every other federation does. It's not a blame, it's just a fact.
"My interest is the football club and I always encourage players to represent their countries, but ultimately my loyalties lie here.
"If I had to make a choice then I work for Leicester City and I want as many players available as possible.
"No-one will complain too much when the African boys get called up. We deal with that as being part and parcel of it.
"I've worked at the FA and it is very frustrating you can't get your best players.
"It depends on what side of the fence you sit but, ultimately, there are regulations and it is up to the authorities to use the power they have."
