It is a World Cup year but you wouldn't really know it. We're effectively in December of a 'normal' season, seven months out from the biggest tournament in sport.
Usually the anticipation is beginning to ramp up, but we've still got a completely different season to start and so that buzz is not quite there yet. The decision to have it in Qatar is what it is and the reasons behind that will continue to be debated. It has all led to a bizarre run-up.
For Gareth Southgate, though, it all feels quite serene.