Gareth Southgate has spoken of needing to unearth a deep-lying pivot – but must know he already has his answer to other problems in midfield.
It cannot be long now for Phil Foden, a unique midfielder in this country, one more comfortable in possession, more willing to break lines and adept at carrying the ball than most of his peers.
The stunning free-kick he scored for the Under 21s on Friday night started a procession and took them back to the top of their Euro 2021 qualification group. Aidy Boothroyd’s new side boast a 100 per cent record and are gelling nicely.
This was so much more than a goal from Foden, though. It was yet more evidence that he can carry an attacking threat, act as an outlet. As his game time at Manchester City naturally increases, so will the conversation about promotion to the seniors.
Where he actually plays rarely matters, Foden just affects games. From the right of midfield, in front of around 50 travelling England fans, he ran the show.
Even before his sumptuous 22nd-minute free-kick, bending right into the top corner, the teenager provided the sort of moments that made it clear that Albania’s low block would not withstand pressure all night.
Foden hammered the post from 30 yards, too, after shimmying off his line when floating centrally in a bid to open the stubborn hosts up.
Ingenuity is down to him in this team and that will undoubtedly be the case with the seniors for years to cone.
Typically, he was key to the second goal, two minutes before half-time. Bouncing off three defenders, Foden appeared as if he would slalom a way into Albania’s box all alone before feeling himself lose balance slightly and lay off to Conor Gallagher instead.
Gallagher was lively all night and fancied himself, arrowing a 25-yard strike into the opposite top corner to the one picked by Foden. Now thriving on loan at Charlton Athletic, it appears Chelsea have another fine player on their hands.
England should have doubled their lead before that point, although might have been fortunate to do so. Referee Lionel Tschudi adjudged – somewhat harshly – that Jon Mersinaj had handled Gallagher’s long-range effort inside the box.
Rhian Brewster’s kick was true but pinged back out off the post. Brewster was unlucky with two further chances, while Mason Greenwood also struck the upright. Substitute Reiss Nelson finally added a third in stoppage time as England went top.