We are seeing players who not only understand their responsibilities but know the role of those around them. At this level you have to act before someone tells you to. Otherwise it is too late. It would be politically imprudent for Wilkinson to answer the questions begged by such observations. Only Steven Gerrard, of the current generation, comes even close to demonstrating the qualities he has isolated.
Clubs have their own agendas.
The academies, centrepiece of the FA's long-term strategies, are tainted by the greed and intolerance which shapes the domestic game at the highest level. On a bigger stage, the strain of expectation is so suffocating that the average lifespan of an international coach is two years. Humberto Coelho and Frank Rijkaard, in charge of beaten semi-finalists, quit before their players were in the showers. Keegan has offered a hostage to fortune in underlining his insecurity as he enters the World Cup qualifying campaign. His natural successor cannot be found in the system and the contrast with tonight's finalists is damning.