Sports Letter: Bankrupt

Sir: Last week Tony Banks, the minister for sport, called for a united British football team. He gave reference to Scotland's failure to make the last stages of the World Cup and England failing at finding that extra push in the final stage, with the immortal line, "As Britain they would win it."

With campaigning in the Scottish Parliament under way, the argument for no change based on national sovereignty is obvious. But what is less clear is which players does Banks foresee as joining the team? Would he turn to the creative skills of Scott Gemmill, replacing the workhorse David Beckham? Or perhaps, the lethal finishing of Billy Dodds in place of Alan Shearer?

What a mouthwatering prospect. Maybe Tony Banks doesn't like football.

GARY JACOB,

St Catherine's College.