I recently read an article talking about how, in preparation for the World Cup English Football Manager Gareth Southgate flew to America to watch a basketball game between two mediocre basketball teams in the middle of winter to learn about plays. His hypothesis was that — “perhaps he could apply basic NBA plays — the pick-and-roll, off-ball screens and constant motion — to football”. As I write this, England’s sitting 90 minutes away (I’m aware this post may not age well) from reaching the W...