Steve Crossman

There's some really good stories knocking around.

We'll start with Germany, which is just about taken over with Manuel Neuer at 40 coming out of international retirement and being named in Julian Nagelsmann's squad for the World Cup.

Quote from him, everyone knows the aura and quality that Manu has, what he brings to a team.

We're planning with him as our number one, Raph.

Wow.

So he's gone from completely out of it to number one, just like that.

Are you absolutely sure he didn't like walk on stage and just go, guys, I'm wearing Bauman tonight?

It's funny, Raph, because Germany and probably Italy come into the same bracket here.

No, no, no, they don't come in the same bracket, ever.

That's not what I was going to do.

I promise you, James.

What I was going to say is when I think of those two nations, my first thought is always great goalkeepers, especially with Germany now when you think like Schumacher, Maier, Ilkner.

Obviously for me, Kopke is the first one I think of because of Euro 96, but then you've got Kahn and blah, blah, blah.

We could go on all night.

Is it a bit of a damning indictment that that's the best option now is a 40-year-old Manuel Neuer?

Him being better than Baumann is one thing.

his actual level for this major tournament is another question.

Like, why don't they have somebody young who is up and coming and pushing the envelope?

Thomas, where did you get those gloves?

They're great.