The catalytic benefit of Adebayor’s loan signing will be lost on a genuinely super Sunday (Arsenal host United, too) but Bale seems untroubled. “[Jermain] Defoe has led the line for England and us before. He may not be able to win many balls in the air but he’s one of the strongest players I’ve seen on the ball. I’m sure he can do a fantastic job up there for us.” TV tends to portray Bale as a lanky, wispy winger, easy to upend with one kick to a shin. The pace of his running speeds up the velocity of his falls and each tumble induces a wince, as if he might break under the impact.