Right, as much as it might pain us to do so, let’s indulge Gianni Infantino for a moment and stick to the football.
Having said that, FIFA’s truly scandalous decision to stage a World Cup in the throes of a European domestic season means even that is a struggle; most of the talk leading up to this week’s squad announcements will be about who and how many will not be going to Qatar 2022.
This weekend will see more casualties, for sure, whether it be for England, Wales, France or whoever. A lot of pundits are up in arms about an issue that has been highlighted on these pages for a long while. But let’s face it, that horse has well and truly bolted.
A World Cup in November and December is happening. Somehow, it has been allowed to happen and the managers and players have just got to get on with it. And so, Gareth Southgate will, on Thursday, choose 26 players to travel to Qatar.
Ben Chilwell is already out with a hamstring injury and any further injuries now will impact on the selection, but there are probably 22 players who can be either certain or hugely confident of a seat on the plane.
Remarkably, Trent Alexander-Arnold is probably not among that number, even though Reece James will likely be missing, even though the signs are that Kyle Walker is no more than 50-50 to make it. If Walker is not available, then surely Alexander-Arnold is a definite pick but, such is Southgate’s coolness towards the Liverpool full-back, you never know.
Benjamin White might get the nod, having proved himself relatively versatile in Arsenal ’s defence, but whoever is selected, whoever is fit, Alexander-Arnold is a player Southgate can ill-afford to leave at home. Against Iran, the US and Wales, England should be on the front foot.
And no full-back is better on the front foot than Alexander-Arnold is. Whatever his misgivings about the player, Southgate can afford to take Alexander-Arnold thanks to the expanded squad allowance.
And that is why Southgate can be bold. He can go with the odd maverick, which is why James Maddison should get a shot. It is unlikely Southgate will agree but Maddison is capable of the sort of creative cameo that can change a game.
He almost dragged Leicester back into the game against Manchester City last weekend. No wonder Pep Guardiola likes him.
Should Trent Alexander-Arnold board the plane to Qatar? Have your say in the comments!
Marcus Rashford should be back in the fold after his resurgence in form but that does not mean Ivan Toney needs to miss out.
And when I look at players such as Alexander-Arnold, Maddison, Rashford and Toney and then remember they are, in effect, fringe players in Southgate’s eyes, not assured of their place in the squad, then it gives hope for another productive tournament for England.
For a little while on Thursday afternoon, when Southgate names his squad, we will, as Infantino wants, focus on the football, for a little while at least. And the focus on English football – with the talent at Southgate’s disposal – should still be a very positive one.
