"Setting up an independent whistleblowing hotline will allow there to be a safe space for people to come forward, secure in the knowledge that their complaint will be taken seriously, and I am happy to say that we have been able to put this in place within the week. Combine that with the sheer volume of young talent still coming through and it is easy to be persuaded that this is a group yet to reach their peak. Rice is 22, Phil Foden only 21. Both seem certain to be important players at the World Cup. Both are still improving. It is a reminder that while Southgate's side have made qualification look straightforward, it can be tricky. Their consistency stands out. Unbeaten in qualifying for a third World Cup in a row, they have only lost once in qualifying for any major tournament in a dozen years. But there's no doubt the wing-backs are delivering reliably for him right now. They're setting the standard for how to play this system in the Premier League, too.