To Russia with love

So, England make it to the World Cup. Not exactly a qualifying campaign to tell your grandchildren about. Then again, if that’s the kind of material you’re using to entertain your family around the dinner table, it might be time to have a rethink. After Beckham against Greece, what are you left with? That time Paul Ince bloodied his head in Rome? The 5-1 against Germany?

But grandad I don’t care that even Heskey scored.

All that aside, it’s hard not to be quietly impressed by England’s second undefeated major tournament qualification in a row. If not exactly inspired. Three goals conceded, top of Group F by a clear eight points, a fine win against Scotland at Wembley last autumn. What more could you ask for?

READ MORE: Australia legend Tim Cahill paid to do ‘sponsored’ goal
READ MORE: USA’s World Cup failure was a catastrophe years in the making

Tough choices

Of course, the next carbuncle of interest for England fans, will be Gareth Southgate’s 23-man pick for the competition itself. And from a Spurs perspective, there’s more reason to be curious than most. Tottenham could feasibly provide six players for Three Lions’ World Cup adventure next year.

If nothing else, it would be nice to know how many of them we can expect to return to the club in mid-June, emotionally bankrupt, after another disastrous tournament with the national side. Oh the fun we have.

Let’s investigate their chances, with meaningless, arbitrary % ratings:

Kieran Trippier

Ahead of Nathaniel Clyne now as England’s deputy right-back, just behind former teammate Kyle Walker. Trippier’s upgrade to first-choice for Spurs (thanks to Walker) and his specialist attributes (unrivalled knack of whipping the ball straight onto Harry Kane’s foot) have made him a crucial figure in Southgate’s squad. Chances if fit: 75%

Danny Rose

He hasn’t played since the 1970s but is still firmly England’s numero uno left-back. If he’s fit, he’s going to Russia. The only thing that could stand in his way is Ben Davies’ improving club form. In fact, he might have a harder job getting back into Mauricio Pochettino’s plans than Southgate’s. Chances if fit: 90%

READ MORE: Tottenham Fan View: Harry Kane to Madrid unlikely, but he’s smart not to rule it out

READ MORE: Tottenham Fan View: Harry Winks deserves England chance

Eric Dier

Many non-Spurs fans will wonder how Dier has become such an immovable force in the England set-up. His game isn’t necessarily based on a want to do anything spectacular. But Dier is a key member of the first team and will surely make the cut— at the very least for his versatility. The former Sporting man can play as deep-lying central-midfielder, in a back three or as a right-back in a four. That kind of flexibility can be invaluable at a tournament . Chances if fit: 95%

Dele Alli

He might be one infuriating scally at times, but when Dele Alli isn’t flipping the bird, diving or generally not being the creative spark Gotham or Southgate need right now, the Spurs midfielder is an intrinsic symbol of modern England. If he’s not entirely burnt out by another gruelling season under Pochettino, he could be one of the stars at Russia 2018. Chances if fit: 95%

Harry Winks

It perhaps says something about England’s dearth of midfield talent that Harry Winks is already being talked about as a must take for the summer tournament, after just one start against Lithuania. But the fact remains that England don’t have many players like Winks. An ersatz continental player; calm in possession, a Velcro-stick first touch and more than happy to pass forward through the lines. Plenty of game time for Spurs this season and he’ll go to the World Cup ahead of Danny Drinkwater or Fabian Delph. Chances if fit: 70%

Harry Kane

Unless Harry Kane accidently locks himself in the airport toilet or forgets to renew his passport, he’ll be going to Russia in June. Chances if fit: 99.9%