It was pretty great to follow from afar, but Ruben Loftus-Cheek had the privilege of being in the midst of it all, playing four times for the country who finished fourth in Russia. One month has now passed since the tournament’s conclusion, and the young midfielder is only too happy to relive it all as he sits down with the official Chelsea website. You suspect these are tales he will never tire of telling.

‘I am so happy I was able to play in a few of the games, and contribute to a massive World Cup for England as a nation,’ he begins.

‘I see it as a really good experience for me personally. I loved being with the squad. Most of the boys were of a similar age, as well. They were such good lads and we gelled really well together.

‘It was a really enjoyable experience, but also an educational experience for me. I have played international football before but not on the world stage, so I learned what it’s like, what the pressure is like, and I got a feel for what playing at the top level is like.’

Loftus-Cheek’s first appearance in Russia was off the bench in England’s opener against Tunisia. The scores were level, 10 minutes remained, and it looked like it could have been the same old story.

‘I just tried to come on and inject energy and pace and power, take risks and run at the opponent and try and make stuff happen.