There is a column on that whiteboard for every man in the squad, and a mark against each one, and I have learned to read Rebecca's marks the way I read the gift.
Green is fit. Amber is a risk. Red does not play.
She started at the top.
"Bounou. Green. He is a goalkeeper, he ran about a mile on Saturday, he could play tomorrow. Steele has him in for a light session and that is precaution, not need."
"Good."
"Back line." She tapped down the column. "Wan-Bissaka style, we do not have, this is Morocco, stay with me. Full backs. Hakimi, amber, and I want to talk to you about him on his own after. Mendyl, green, the boy is 20 and made of rubber. Centre halves." She stopped.
"Benatia."
"Benatia is red and you know he is red. And he is going to stand in front of me and tell me he is green, and he is my captain, so you are going to have to be the one who tells him no." She put the cap on the marker.
