There are over 4,500 miles separating Manchester from Doha and it might have felt like a million more for Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho this summer. However, for one of those two Manchester United forwards, Qatar will be feeling that little bit closer.
One kick away from immortality last summer, Rashford and Sancho were among three players to miss penalties as England suffered a gut-wrenching defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 showpiece.
In stepping up for their country, those two - with Sancho then yet to sign for United - and Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka displayed immense courage, and similar fortitude will be needed for England to finally overcome their hoodoo and reign supreme on the global stage in Qatar.
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Going so close beneath the Wembley arch had a telling impact and not only at Old Trafford, either. Harry Kane took a little while to rekindle his golden touch for Tottenham last season, while Raheem Sterling was cast aside over the road by Manchester City before signing for Chelsea the following year.
Supporters here know all too well how much Euro 2020 took out of England's heroes as Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and their fleet-footed attackers - Rashford and Sancho - suffered a downturn in their form. Maguire and Shaw were, seemingly, offered special dispensation by Gareth Southgate when he was pressed on their lack of game-time for United during the most recent international break.
Previous comments about Rashford and Sancho left them with mountain to climb, meanwhile, but the rejuvenated Rashford appears to have climbed his selection Everest. He is peaking at just the right time.
"We've only got one [Manchester United player] with us. They've got a lot to do to get back in the squad."
Southgate was much, much firmer on Rashford and Sancho when asked to assess their World Cup dreams. But now, after getting back to his devastating best, the former will be waiting by the phone.
It has been a week of milestones for Rashford and he will be hoping, true to the saying, that his good news comes in threes. Sunday afternoon saw the academy graduate score his 100th goal for the club, before he then celebrated his 25th birthday on Monday.
Such is the competition for places in Southgate's squad - particularly in attacking quarters - Rashford is maybe not guaranteed a seat on the plane. However, after leaping for his seventh goal already this term against West Ham on Sunday afternoon, the Wythenshawe favourite has done everything asked from him.
Rashford's fortunes have turned around since Erik ten Hag was sworn in and it speaks volumes for his manager that the number 10 has already surpassed his direct goal contributions from last season. His winner against the Hammers made it 10 from 17 games, compared to seven from 32.
While it's not yet set in stone, Rashford should be able to sleep easy knowing that there will be no winter break for him and his run at the showcase could even see him start England's first match. Jack Grealish, Phil Foden plus one or two others might have something to say about that, but clubmate Sancho has no such voice.
Moving forward, though, he will not have to look far for inspiration, while other opportunities will come.
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