For sheer arrogance, the Premier League’s idea to play one round of matches overseas takes some beating.

Not only has it upset almost every single fan in England, it has also annoyed senior soccer officials in Asia, Australia and Europe — as well as furiously angering FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

But I’m surprised the money-mad marketing men have stopped at the Premier League and I think some sharp-suited whiz kid has missed a trick.

I can’t believe that some agents, or agency, fuelled by the idea of increased revenue streams, hasn’t come up with a plan for England to play an exhibition tournament in Austria and Switzerland or elsewhere during Euro 2008 to prove, actually, that England are the best team in Europe, or the world, perhaps even the universe, and not whoever happens to win Euro 2008.

England could play, for example, against other European teams who failed to qualify like Denmark, Ireland, Scotland or Finland. Or they could maybe take on Australia, or the United States or Japan and Brazil in a more global competition.

TV companies, as we are always being told, can’t get enough of English football, so are likely to show all the England matches rather than official Euro 2008 games. Even more money will role in. The revenue streams will not run dry!

If England win, the money men can point to another innovative idea, brilliantly conceived, to show all the talent at England’s disposal. If England lose, well, at least the whole world has been lucky enough to get their fix of English soccer.

Not the Premier League perhaps, but the next best thing.

Someone, somewhere, out there will consider this a serious idea so don’t be surprised if you read about it happening in the next few weeks. I’m just surprised it isn’t happening already.