I know nothing about football, but I watch the best games fairly regularly ( International matches, European club competitions, also the top teams in the Premiership). One thing particularly intrigues me: the England team is made up of players who perform magnificently, week in and week out, in the Premiership. When they play in international matches, however, they seem to me to be shadows of their domestic selves, in skills, in workrate and in commitment. Before I go any further let me make it clear that Wayne Rooney is the exception: nobody in the world is more skilful, industrious or committed.

Am I dreaming, or is there some fundamental flaw in the way England’s international side is being managed?