When it mattered most, James Maddison's time as England's forgotten man came to an end and he was included in the World Cup squad just in time for the tournament.
There was only 34 minutes of senior international football played by the 25-year-old player.
Maddison was bracing himself for the World Cup omission.
The biggest question surrounding the squad announcement was answered with the inclusion of Maddison.
Seeing Maddison's name on the list was a bigger surprise than if he'd been left out because he's been ignored for so long.
The fact that Maddison is on the plane will be a source of joy for his many admirers, as he is earning his place in the best possible way.
The timing of the World Cup is unique and Maddison is one of the beneficiaries. They would not have been included if it had been held in the summer as the showpiece gives them the chance to build a body of work before the break.
It is clear Maddison still faces a fight to win a starting place, but he will bring something to the England squad with his ability at set-pieces and his eye for the game-changing moment.
James Maddison has earned the right. He may be able to give us something new. He is playing as well as any of the attackers.
KalvinPhillips, one of the stars of England's run to the Euro 2020 final, was one of the players who was made available for other clubs.
Since moving to Manchester City,Phillips has been hampered by an injury and has not been better. His contribution so far this season has been four appearances, with a grand total of 54 minutes' playing time, and he only just recovered from shoulder surgery.
In that area, we haven't got a lot of cover. We think it's a worthwhile risk.
There was a debate around the selection of Trent Alexander-Arnold, given the apparent reluctance toUtilise him, but the injury toChelsea's Reece James cleared up that argument - and while he is very unlikely to start, his natural ability could prove vital.
Ben White has been rewarded for his outstanding season so far by hisVersatility in an England Defence that has suspicions of a soft centre.
Despite poor form at club level and an error-strewn display in the 3-3 Wembley draw with Germany in September, the Manchester United captain is still retained by the England coach.
This still looks like an area of vulnerability for England, despite the inclusion of Eric Dier, who is from Spurs. AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori misses out.
While his selection means joy for Maddison, there is more disappointment for Ward-Prowse, who missed out at the last Euros.
The inclusion of the 22-year-old, who has four full England caps, is a surprise. This huge act of faith from Southgate will have this talented youngster determined to repay the faith he has in him should he be called up to play in the World Cup.
He presses the ball very well. There are going to be times in the game where we have to use different attributes. He could be that kind of player. He is a goal threat, even though he is not experienced.
The major attacking call is the selection of Wilson as the natural deputy for captain Harry Kane, despite the fact that Marcus Rashford has shown signs of rejuvenation at Manchester United.
Wilson has four senior England appearances but his injury record has been a concern. His form is not in question as he has played a big part in the rise to third place in the premier league under Eddie Howe.
It means disappointment for Ivan Toney, who was left out of the Uefa Nations League games away to Italy and at home to Germany.
He has barely played in the past 12 months and was not a serious contender due to his injury and the fact that he scored in the victory against Crystal Palace.
They will be mentioned in dispatches, but there are questions over whether they can go as far as they did in Russia, when a surprise run to the semi-finals ended with defeat by Croatia.
There is a lot of quality in the attacking areas, but once again there will be huge reliance on captain Kane, who will have his sights on beating Wayne Rooney's England record of 53 goals.
England's weaknesses will be found in defence, where the form that made him a stand-out at the World Cup and Euro 2020 will be needed more than ever.
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