For the international break of March 2017, England's three goalkeepers were Joe Hart, Tom Heaton and Fraser Forster. All three were first choice at their respective clubs, and competition for the No 1 jersey looked healthy.

Jordan Pickford was consistently praised as the only Sunderland player with any credit left and was forging himself a reputation as a star of the future. Jack Butland was having one of those periods of absence where everyone's heart grows fonder following an impressive debut campaign. And there was always Ben Foster to tempt out of international retirement, too.

A year ago it was inconceivable that England would be heading to the World Cup finals with a goalkeeping crisis. It seemed even less likely that someone other than the six keepers mentioned above might start against Tunisia in Volograd on June 18.

Now, though, with just 13 weeks to go until England's World Cup opener, Gareth Southgate should opt for Burnley's Nick Pope between the sticks.

Only afforded an opportunity when Tom Heaton dislocated his shoulder in early September (if that had happened 10 days earlier, might Sean Dyche have bought a replacement?), Pope has quashed any fears that his inexperience might hurt Burnley with performances that have only enhanced their lofty position. It is now a genuine wonder whether Heaton has any chance of dislodging Pope as Burnley's first choice stopper on his return.