This is the story of the England footballers, the second-hand car and the missing carrier bag full of readies. It hasn’t got a title, so ‘Gareth Southgate — This Is What You’re Up Against’ will have to do for now.
Our tale takes place roughly 10 years ago and concerns a player newly picked by England.
He wasn’t a big name, didn’t play for a big club, but was in excellent form and merited his selection.
When he arrived he took his place in the dressing room beside stellar performers operating at the top of their profession.