With two friendly matches before the real thing gets underway in Russia you would think coaches should select the team with which they hope to open their 2018 World Cup campaign.
England plays Nigeria at Wembley on Saturday, a sort of warm-up for Tunisia, the Three Lions' first opponents in the finals, even though the Super Eagles are from a different part of a vast continent.
Like his counterparts, Gareth Southgate will keep his World Cup cards almost super-glued to his chest, only revealing his hand at the last possible moment. It is probable the XI that lines up against Tunisia has never played together before and the game against Nigeria plus next Thursday's match against Costa Rica (a dress rehearsal for Panama on June 24) will see a number of fringe players given a chance. The World Cup starting selection will be kept on hold.