Hodgson and his coaches noted the same insouciance against France, where Alli delivered a stunning cameo. His temperament and talent are not in doubt. This game, though, taught him more about how international football works, and the positional responsibilities that come with it. After a bright start by Roy’s Boys, the experience and guile of Toni Kroos, Mesut Özil and Sami Khedira placed increasing strain on England’s midfield combination, with too much of expected of Eric Dier in the screening role.

This was not Alli’s fault, but it did tell him that freedom comes with responsibilities. Jordan Henderson was the better candidate to assist Dier against Germany’s marauders but Alli was also forced to help. Until then, he had tried several midfield roles, all to good effect. He linked with his Tottenham team-mate, Danny Rose, on the left, and floated through the middle in his No 10 shirt. We ought to mention too the back-heels and flicks. Alli is a rangy, roaming player but has tricks in his repertoire.

Not since the 0-0 draw in Turkey in April, 1987, had England started with four Tottenham men. Back then there were five: Glenn Hoddle, Gary Mabbutt, Steve Hodge, Clive Allen and Chris Waddle. A cautionary note: none of that quintet started in the home leg, which England won 8-0. Selection patterns change quickly.