As England look ahead to their final World Cup warm-up game on Saturday, Roy Hodgson has plenty to ponder with the tournament opener a week later.
The Three Lions were held to a 2-2 draw by Ecuador in the heat of Miami on Wednesday and, after making ten changes to the starting line-up from their win over Peru at Wembley last week, Hodgson is pleased with his playing options.
As well as the more experienced heads, he was satisfied by the performances of some of the younger players and says he would be more than happy to use them in Brazil.
Hodgson before kick-off at the Sun Life Stadium
"It was a friendly game and with the team I selected, with so many young players and so few caps on the field, if they could deal with every situation Ecuador throw at us it would be a surprise to us all," said the England boss.
"The experienced players on the field – Ben Foster, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Rickie Lambert – they played a serious part in the game.
"Maybe without those four we wouldn't have got the result we did. So, I've got that option.
"But the interesting thing is that we know, from seeing the Ecuador game, that if one of those youngsters does get the chance to come in he's not going to let us down.
"That's something I've always believed. But now I've got the proof."
One of those younger players, Ross Barkley, made a telling contribution with his positive runs and his imposing presence and Hodgson believes he can do likewise at the World Cup.
The Everton midfielder laid England's second on a plate for Lambert, and while the manager was impressed with the 20-year-old, he feels there's still room for him to grow.
Ross Barkley in action against Ecuador
"He's got drive, he's got energy, but he's got a lot to learn as well," said Hodgson. "When he needs to release the ball, when he can turn with it, when he just needs to secure it.
"But I'm sure he'll be happy with his performance and I think he justified the fact I've taken him with us on this adventure we're embarking on.
"A player of his type, with confidence and who is prepared to take an awful lot of risks with the ball, there will be times in the game when we need him."
Keep up to date with England throughout the World Cup here on TheFA.com of follow Twitter @England.
