England were labouring - if not floundering - on the world's biggest stage and everyone was asking the same question: where's Phil Foden?
The enthusiasm and optimism produced by England's 6-2 thrashing of Iran earlier in the week dissipated just as quickly as it had appeared, as Gareth Southgate's side played out a dour goalless draw with the United States in their second World Cup group stage match.
England were disjointed and flat from the first whistle until the last, unable to play through the US' excellent pressing front or string together coherent attacks. As the second half progressed and nothing changed, Southgate looked to his bench for inspiration.