Conor Gallagher had only started one match in almost two months before Wednesday's Madrid Derby.
He may have finished brutally on the wrong side of things, as Atletico Madrid always does against Real.
But the midfielder showed exactly why he should and will be an important part of Thomas Tuchel's England plans prior to his first team announcement.
Gallagher's striking 85 minutes in the thunderous Metropolitano is worth praise for much more than his record -breaking goal.
The second leg opener, after just 27 seconds taken in a bag, is the fastest goal of Champions League ever scored by an Englishman.
That was a moment to cherish, but everything that came after was just as important.
All English eyes will have been on Jude Bellingham in the beginning, but Gallagher took the spotlight and helped atletico's midfield to frustrate life from his three Lions teammate and the rest of the real Madrid side.
While the two were on the field together, Gallagher was easier the more impressive.
However, what would have been encouraging for Tuchel was how Bellingham grew in shape as everyone else faded and the striking time was in extra time before he buried a confident fine.
The men of Carlo Ancelotti had a lot of pleasure their right side during the first stage, so Diego Simeone dedicated Gallagher to block them.
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He performed it beautifully. With his usual wild energy, Gallagher closed the Brazilian Rodrygo and made some nice challenges on Kylian Mbappe, including one that stooped a rare dangerous break.
It was only his second start in the last 11 games for Atletico, but Simeone clearly trusts him with the big ones. Wednesday evening showed that Tuchel can do that too.
The previous start of Gallagher was against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and you would not bet he had the task of closing Lamine Yamal in La Liga this weekend.
Tuchel, who had contact with Gallagher and spoke with his former Chelsea player prior to the first pipes, must use his undervalued quality.
The German plays options in the attacking areas, but finding someone to do the dirty work is just as important whether you can fit in the same team Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer.
Tuchel is for one reason in the track in England – to win the World Cup. For this, shades of light and dark require its side.
The bravery of Bellingham and the other star names is a must, but with holders, Argentina proved that you also need some dogs there.
There was only one start for England in the euro, a nightmare against Slovenia that only lasted 45 minutes, but he looked another player here.
Gallagher learns from the best when it comes to doing everything and everything for the team and has completely taken over the roads of Simeone.
Even on the left, not his favorite position, Gallagher gave everything and left the field to a standing ovation.
He would, it is true, would have preferred to play terribly and look forward to a quarterfinals with Arsenal.
But given the cruel character of the latest Champions League victory of Real Madrid on their rivals, the midfielder of England can take nothing but immense pride of his performance.
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