Conor Coady did his best to be calm and strike the right tone, but, as a picture was painted for him, he began to beam and dream.
Though professional courtesy stopped Coady from saying England will beat San Marino in Serravalle, he and we know the country's place at the 2022 World Cup will be confirmed around 9.30pm on Monday evening.
This is a gimme, the equivalent of having three putts from three feet to take the spoils. England have played here three times, scoring seven (1993), eight (2013) and six (2015). To give further context, bookmakers are offering better odds on England winning 3-0 than 7-0.