COMMENT: Henderson to Spurs? Stones to Chelsea? The Ox to West Ham?
This summer, we could see a generation of England's best change clubs. A transfer window like no other witnessed in the Premier League.
For years, the elite have held onto their English talent like they were crystal skulls. Pressure from the FA and the ever shifting local quota laws made any young player with an England cap next to his name a hot commodity.
But this season, more than another, has changed the mindset of the established England international. With Leicester City running away with the title, the emergence of Tottenham and West Ham, plus the new TV deal about to kick in, a bit-part role with the one of the established big four is no longer the be-all and end-all.
If Arsene Wenger can't assure Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of a regular start at Arsenal, why wouldn't he seriously consider West Ham as an option? Is it really a step down? He's just seen Dimitri Payet rewarded with a new £125,000-a-week contract. And the Hammers have also announced, such has been the demand, they're increasing the capacity of their new Stratford stadium to 60,000 - a match for Arsenal's Emirates. Playing week-in, week-out in front of a full house at Stratford certainly beats spending more time on the bench than on the pitch at Emirates.
In the Hammers' case, the reverse also rings true. Five years ago, there'd be little chance of West Ham preventing Arsenal from tempting away Reece Oxford. But today? What could Wenger offer him that the two Davids (Gold and Sullivan) could not? Certainly not the clear path to the first team Slaven Bilic has built for the 17 year-old - and all the while challenging for a top four finish.
At the Gunners, the Ox isn't alone being unsettled. Southampton are sure to try again for Calum Chambers after being knocked back in January. And Kieran Gibbs already has one foot out the door. An England left-back, with his best years still ahead of him? Gibbs can name his own terms and have his pick of clubs. Why settle for playing second fiddle to Nacho Monreal when he can walk into any one of the other 19 clubs in the Premier League and expect at least parity to what he's earning at Arsenal?
Across the road, Tottenham are experiencing the exact opposite of their North London rivals. Inspired by their manager, Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs' title push is built upon an English core. And as such, rather than battling to convince the likes of Harry Kane and Eric Dier to stay, Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman, is seeking to add to their Three Lions contingent.
The Ox's saga will be one well worth following this summer. But no transfer tale involving one of Roy's Boys will be more consequential to the immediate future of all involved than Tottenham's pursuit of Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.
Is Jurgen Klopp really going to allow his skipper, an English local, a possible future Three Lions captain, to leave? And to leave for such a direct rival?
In recent years, Spurs and Liverpool have been running neck-and-neck. To sell Henderson to Levy, even for his mooted £25 million valuation, would speak volumes of where the two clubs stand today. And if it does happen, it must be argued it would represent a step up for Henderson - made all the more valid by his own decision. For the Mackem to swap Red for Lilywhite would confirm Spurs as a genuine player in the title race - and condemn Liverpool to a selling club. It's the stuff of Carlos Tevez and noisy neighbors - but being played out beyond Manchester. A deal whose ramifications could be felt for years.
Then we have John Stones, Chelsea and billionaire Farhad Moshiri's investment in Everton. Joe Hart and if he can win over Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Michael Carrick being left hanging at Manchester United. And even Wayne Rooney and if China's millions can tempt him away from Old Trafford.
There is the genuine prospect of half of Roy Hodgson's squad ending the Euros with a different club to when it kicked off. It was once that England's best could write their own ticket, so long as they were willing to spend much of their time on the bench. Now, they can have the life-changing contract and the game-time to go with it.
That TV deal continues to change the landscape of English football.
INJURY TIME
It was a good performance by England. Lively. Energetic. Truly crowned by Jamie Vardy's goal for the equaliser. Any win on German soil is worth noting. Particularly coming from 2-0 down. Yes, the performances promises much for the future.
But this was a friendly. And no matter what is said or written today, this England team will not win the Euros. The talent and potential is there, certainly. But experience isn't. Nor the leadership. When the real stuff comes around, Roy's Boys will be found wanting.
The best two teams of the best 30 years were Sir Bobby's for Italia 1990 and El Tel's for Euro 92. And neither team actually reached the final.
It's a worthy exercise: from last night's team in Munich, who would make it in those two great past line-ups? This squad is one of exciting potential. But to progress in a major tournament, you need much more. Just consider the record of those involved in 1990 and 1992 compared to today. You soon realise how far this lot have to go...
1990 World Cup XI:
Shilton - Parker, Butcher, Wright, Walker, Pearce - Platt, Gascoigne, Waddle - Lineker, Beardsley
1992 Euros XI:
Seaman - Neville, Adams, Southgate, Pearce - Gascoigne, Ince, Platt, McManaman - Shearer, Sheringham
