Bayern Munich's Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kane, Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, Barcelona's Anthony Gordon - three of England's star players, all of whom are playing their club football abroad.
The Premier League is widely regarded as the most competitive league in the world with the greatest financial muscle, but that does not always translate to the biggest individual profiles and, increasingly, star names are looking elsewhere.
Since Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or in 2008, for example, only Rodri in 2024 was playing in England at the time of being crowned the best player in the world. Michael Owen, in 2001, was the last Englishman to do so while in England.
The trend of English players going abroad has gathered pace since a teenage Jadon Sancho signed for Borussia Dortmund in 2017 and that is reflected in this current Three Lions squad - seven of the initial 25 play outside England.
"Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were decisive for us in the World Cup and I see no reason they won't be in the future," said England boss Thomas Tuchel when talking about his big stars playing outside of their home country.
"It's good that Anthony has stepped up now. He is the third one.
