The Athletic FC ⚽ is The Athletic’s daily football (or soccer, if you prefer) newsletter. Sign up to receive it directly to your inbox. Hello! The Gold Cup got away from him. It’s a strong World Cup ...

Not since 1969 has a horse as old as Envoi Allen won the Cheltenham Gold Cup. It feels a bit like asking Thierry Henry to slot in up front for Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League tie ...