More than two decades have passed since a player from outside the top flight played for England at a World Cup. Paul Merson in 1998, if you’re wondering. And that hardly counts - Middlesbrough had just been promoted.
Without condemning Everton, with 13 games left, perhaps time is nigh for Gareth Southgate to start considering whether he is prepared to break that duck.
Because, on the one hand, it seems unthinkable that Jordan Pickford won’t be in Qatar.
And yet, on this evidence, it seems very possible that the goalkeeper will be part of a Championship side.