After yet another dazzling week for Jesse Lingard and Raheem Sterling in the colours of Manchester United and City, the gaze fixes more firmly on Dele Alli.
In a World Cup year, Gareth Southgate will already be contemplating formulas for the March friendlies against Italy and Holland and on current form, both Lingard and Sterling could stake a fair claim for Alli's place in the England team. They are affecting games with greater purpose, committing defenders and scoring important goals for their club.
For Alli, the stress signals have been clear.