Shaka Hislop

But to Hicks' point, Mauricio Pochettino has continually said, nobody's place is guaranteed.

You've got to show what you're worth.

And Anthony Robinson is, well, one, both leaning into that.

And as pros, you know that you do not write your own name in to start the game.

Of course.

It's up to the coach.

Whatever.

Lionel Messi will tell you if the coach picks me.

That's just footballer speak.

But me sitting here in the studio, in the comfort of this studio, I can say Anthony Robinson starts.

Well, it comes down to much, as Anthony Robinson is saying.

And listen, he understands he's just coming off a very serious injury, working his way back in.

Anybody who's come off serious injuries, as I'm sure Herc can attest, there's always these little niggling injuries that just kind of pop up that seem unrelated.

And that's a concern.

That's a concern in the short and immediate term, medium term, which is why he's saying,

If I get to March, I can be a part of that squad, I can make an impression on Mauricio Pochettino, then I start thinking about the summer.

Now, to your question about being country ready, while I get it, but Anthony Robinson is known enough, experienced enough, respected enough, that if he plays a significant part in March and contributes in the way that Anthony Robinson can,

And again, for me, he walks into the team.

And listen, I get it.

Another footballing cliche, possession is nine-tenths of the law.