What with World Cup qualifying, Champions League, Europa League, CONCACAF Champions League and  the domestic leagues in full flow there is a major tournament on the horizon that is currently flying under most radars.

Next Thursday the FIFA Under-20 World Cup starts in Egypt. The climatic conditions has meant a later start than most clubs would want but the oppressive heat of an Egyptian summer make it impractical to do otherwise.

One thing that jumps out from a quick scan of the 24-teams and that is who is missing. The current holders Argentina finished bottom of the six-team South American qualifying group and will not add to their five wins in the last seven tournaments.

The Under-20 World Cup is bill boarded as the place to see the stars of tomorrow and it is a tough statement to

The Best…..

In the battle of the old war-horses Switzerland’s Ottmar Hitzfeld won out over Otto Rehhagel. The difference turned out to Hitzfeld’s substitutions. Hakan Yakin and Johan Vonlathen both came off the bench to create Switzerland’s breakthrough goal.

Vonlathen was fouled, Yakin took the free kick and the head of defender Stephane Grichting deposited the ball into the Greek net with less than ten minutes left to play.

It is often said that when players pull on their countries jersey they grow in stature and perform at a level above their normal. Like many sayings it is generally rubbish. However, there are exceptions and Scotland’s James McFadden is one such case.

He has rarely, if ever, let Scotland down and in an era when players seem ready to pass