The news last week that Harry Kane would be out until April after hamstring surgery was seen as potentially disastrous for Tottenham and England, but although his absence from his club side was keenly felt in north London on Saturday evening, there were more hopeful signs for Gareth Southgate further south.​

Tammy Abraham looked like the complete central striker in Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over an injury-hit Burnley, and even better news for England in the long term is that he comes with a ready-made, home-grown supply line in the burgeoning partnership of Callum Hudson-Odoi and right-back Reece James.​

After the match, Abraham made polite noises about looking up to Kane and hoping he was back fit for Euro 2020, but he clearly relishes the opening that Kane’s ill luck has presented. “Yes, I am always ambitious,” he said. “Growing up, I always wanted to play for England, and now I have the opportunity to, so I will try to grab it with both hands.”​

That means showing good club form as well as playing well in England friendlies. “Yes, but I think there is more pressure being Chelsea’s number nine. I am enjoying myself and I just have to keep on scoring, doing well and getting the wins for the team and then I can focus on the summer with England.”​