We’re getting ready for the World Cup. As an England fan that means getting in the beers and the flags (cross of St George, obvs, the Union Jack is banned because it references Scotland), all kinds of things to wave (at the tv) and make noise with, plus, obviously a big box of tissues (for the penalty shoot-out we inevitably lose to Germany) and a new bottle of whisky for consolation. I’m more of an England fan this time than usual because our national team looks so much like Spurs. Unfortunately though, they’re not quite as good as Spurs. And my apparent capacity for sharing the love to international teams peaked in 1970 and has been going steadily downhill ever since. But as a testament to the Premier League, England provides more players to all the world cup teams than any other nation. More world superstars play here than in Spain, France, Italy or Germany. The rest of the world doesn’t even get a look in.

But in the midst of all the media shit surrounding this massive event, I’m drawn constantly to events in Madrid. Because of 2 things resulting from Zidane’s ‘resignation’. Firstly and most importantly, the continued tie-up between Real and Pochettino. With both parties willing to talk and discuss, even though the latter party just signed a brand-new deal with Spurs paying him about 8 million a year. Though I noted last night that Mauricio wasn’t on the new, revised list of possible managers for the Bernabau. And why would he go? Zidane won 3 consecutive champions leagues and it wasn’t enough.

The other feature of Zidane’s departure is that Gareth Bale probably won’t be leaving now. For some reason Zizou never liked Bale enough to play him with the regularity you’d expect having, at the time, inherited the world’s most expensive player. Bale hinted he’d leave if he didn’t play more. Strongly hinted. But with no Zidane, Bale will surely get much more exposure, as he deserves and showed at the final the other weekend. I just don’t want him playing for Man United.

And Kanu, remember Kanu? Like a pre-incarnation of Adebayor? He turned up in Moscow and the lovely baggage handlers stole £8,200 in cash from his bag. They were caught, the money recovered and duly returned. Phew. A few have pondered as to why anyone would travel with so much cash on them. Which is a worthy question in normal circumstances. But Nigerians and money is a world unto itself. But if you want to know the reason, send your bank details, pin number, mother’s maiden name and three passwords and I’ll tell you.

Happy Tuesday

A xxxx