Right now it would take some courage for Mr Blair to use up more of his political capital by throwing Mr Ashdown a lifeline.

ECONOMIST: Why Paddy will miss Peter most

And while his decision to go with Torres ahead of Drogba showed commendable courage, as did his decision to take the Spaniard off after only 45 minutes, he now faces the prospect of the selection potentially starting the credits rolling on his Chelsea career following the exit from the tournament owner Roman Abramovich is desperate to claim.

BBC: Man Utd 2-1 Chelsea (agg 3-1)