That went against usual football diplomacy, where players talk of only focusing on the next game, but that’s perhaps part of the charm. It’s also part of the strange dynamics of these occasions, that at once enrich football but can also make it so emotionally wrenching.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has perhaps signalled that he’s ready to give a chance to some of the club’s youngsters ahead of the Carabao Cup final.The Magpies are preparing for a huge