England’s anthem for doomed youth

AWAY from the drudgery of the games against Slovenia and Lithuania, there was a truly eyecatching England performance in the last week.

England’s display in a 4-0 victory over Chile (left) in their opening game of the under-17 World Cup was startlingly good.

Of the starting XI, four were from Chelsea, two from Spurs, one from Liverpool, three from Manchester City and one, in Jadon Sancho, who has recently left City for Borussia Dortmund. That tells you the rich clubs have got very good youth teams.

What it doesn’t tell you is that they are allowed to hoover up all the best talent, leaving the likes of Huddersfield to pretty much stop trying to bring through their own.

LOVE how there is a 30-man shortlist for a two-horse race, but Harry Kane’s presence among the Ballon D’Or nominees is fitting recognition of his development. Although how David Silva does not make the roster is anybody’s guess.