Progress to the final in Bilbao, and even a first European trophy since 1984, would be vindication for the whole Postecoglou era at the club

Ange Postecoglou believes the Europa League presents Tottenham with a “great opportunity” especially with the return of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke for Thursday’s tie at AZ Alkmaar.

For England’s biggest clubs, Thursday nights have historically represented more of a burden than an opportunity. Europa League football has not been regarded as particularly glamorous over the years,