Sounds like Boxall won't be going to Japan now, if Minnesota have their way. Will be important that Hay keeps a good relationship with MLS coaches like Heath at MU, as those big intercontinental playoffs game June next year will be mid season MLS - if admittedly in a FIFA window. But Hay may want Boxall released earlier (same Tuiloma at Timbers) for some important warmup games/camps prior in 2022. So need to keep the goodwill going.
Payne will be a pretty able replacement. Was actually at London 2012, but as a DM??
https://www.mnufc.com/news/postgame-quotes-colvmin-x9461
On Michael Boxall and his prospects of going to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games …“He’s got a problem at this minute in time and he probably won’t be going I would think.”
Payne will be a pretty able replacement. Was actually at London 2012, but as a DM??
https://www.mnufc.com/news/postgame-quotes-colvmin-x9461
On Michael Boxall and his prospects of going to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games …“He’s got a problem at this minute in time and he probably won’t be going I would think.”
I think because of Haze defensive inclination, for me it's more likely that Stensness would go into that vacated role. He's very capable of filling the Boxall boots, is bigger/stronger than the other CB candidates, and there are other midfield options. It's basic thinking but will do the job, even though it would be a shame to lose his domination in midfield.
On a separate note, it must be a piss off for players who work hard all year on one position, in order to get to the O games, only to be put in a different role when they get there.