England squad: Harry Maguire’s inclusion is laced with danger but Gareth Southgate’s hands are tied
The i says Will this World Cup be markedly different to every other? Leaving aside – for now – the obvious reasons to shout “Erm yes, have you seen it?” as an auto-response to the human rights concerns, a global tournament being held in stadiums that cover roughly an area the size of Nottinghamshire and supporters potentially staying on moored cruise ships like some bizarre tribute to Nike’s Secret Tournament advert, what about the football?
The instant reaction to the move to a winter slot was that it would benefit England because it removed the problem of end-of-season fatigue that was exacerbated by a usually competitive top six and our brave lads going deep into European competition.
That always felt a little insular; other countries do also compete in the Champions League latter stages, and the squads of England’s best club teams are packed full with non-English players anyway.
