James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond thought they were in trouble when Southampton boss Claude Puel hauled them into his office.
But the Southampton duo were delighted when they left after their manager told them they had been named in the England squad.
Midfielder Ward-Prowse and winger-turned-striker Redmond were two of England boss Gareth Southgate's surprise choices for the forthcoming internationals against Germany and Lithuania.
And Puel could not resist teasing the uncapped pair before giving them the good news.
"I told them I had a problem with their attitude in the training session, and to ask their opinion," said the Frenchman.