Manchester City have paid an expensive price during this international break in losing Kyle Walker and John Stones, because they were crucial to the way boss Pep Guardiola wanted to approach this Premier League title showdown.
For City, there might be some irritation over their involvement for England against Brazil and Belgium.
Players are never going to be defined by what they do in a friendly for their country, whereas they will be measured by how many trophies they win at their club. But Walker and Stones deserve credit, not criticism, for wanting to represent England rather than finding a reason to withdraw to save themselves for Arsenal.