As the country's finest young players approach the age of 18, they are graded by the FA's coaches. On where they are on the ladder and how high they might go.
With Cole Palmer, there was no doubt in the mind of Ian Foster, who has managed three of England's age groups. Potential: senior first team. Despite reservations elsewhere, not least within Manchester City, he was unequivocal.
Foster, now Steven Gerrard's assistant in Saudi Arabia, will have raised a smile. A first call-up by Gareth Southgate follows Palmer's eye-catching opening weeks to life at Chelsea, life as a £42.