Thomas Tuchel's final England squad before naming his group for the World Cup raised more than a few eyebrows.
Calling on 35 players was certainly unexpected, as was the discovery that those involved would arrive at different times, depending on the number of minutes they have played for their clubs this season.
However, a number of players have since left camp for a variety of reasons following Friday's 1-1 draw with Uruguay.
Ahead of playing Japan on March 31, England's final home game before the World Cup, some are looking at their last chance to stake a claim for a seat behind Tuchel on the transatlantic flight in the summer.
Why did Tuchel name such a big England squad?
Naming a 35-man squad was not anything done by previous managers but there might be method to Tuchel's madness.
Aside from wanting to have a look at some different players and give them the chance to put themselves in contention to make the plane this summer, Tuchel is trying not to overexert a group of stars who have been key performers for their clubs this season and would benefit from some extra rest ahead of what promises to be a gruelling few months.
Take Harry Kane for example: the England captain has been scoring goals for fun in the Bundesliga and Champions League, with 48 goals in 40 matches in all competitions this season.
But after playing over 3,000 minutes already and with Bayern Munich likely to go deep in the Champions League, those minutes will only increase further -- imagine this England team with a knackered Harry Kane, or worse, without Harry Kane...
Kane was one of 11 players slated to join the England camp only after Friday's outing against Uruguay.
It was a similar idea for Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, two players who are nailed on to start this summer but have played 2,869 minutes and 3,462 minutes respectively. Both Arsenal men returned to their club over the weekend with injury concerns.
Tuchel's decision to take a new approach to player welfare could pay off in the long run.
Which England players joined up late with the squad?
Captain Kane is one of 11 players who originally had last week off, only heading to St George's Park after the Uruguay game, with Tuchel citing their minutes played as the key reason. Of this group, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have subsequently returned to Arsenal.
Tuchel said upon announcing his squad: "These guys have played 3,500 minutes, some 4,000 minutes [this season].
"More important than the pure number of minutes is some of these guys have played more minutes than the whole of last season.
"All of these players have contributed in September, October and November.
"They have credit with me. To give them a break mentally and physically, we will benefit from it."
Who played against Uruguay?
In goal, James Trafford was given an international debut less than a week on from starting during Manchester City's Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal.
The second debutant was Everton's James Garner who started in midfield alongside Jordan Henderson.
Phil Foden was given a run out at number 10 in an attack also featuring Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford and Dominic Solanke.
In front of Trafford, Tino Livramento, Fikayo Tomori, Harry Maguire and Djed Spence made up the defensive line.
The newly-recalled Ben White endured a busy return to the England set-up, scoring what looked to be a late winner after coming off the bench only to then concede the penalty that allowed Federico Valverede to equalise in stoppage time for Uruguay.
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Tuchel's England squad vs. Uruguay
Starting XI: James Trafford (Manchester City), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), James Garner (Everton), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United), Dominc Solanke (Tottenham Hostpur).
Subs used: Ben White (Arsenal), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds), Harvey Barnes (Newcastle United), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United).
Players who joined up after the Uruguay match:
Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Elliot Anderson, Nico O'Reilly, Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, Dean Henderson.
England squad changes to face Japan
Since Friday's match, eight players have returned to their clubs. John Stones was due to start in defence but was forced to withdraw with a calf injury and has since travelled back to Manchester City.
Noni Madueke started the game but limped off and was subsequently seen leaving Wembley with a knee brace. He leaves camp alongside Adam Wharton, another who saw game time vs. Uruguay but picked up a knock.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka did not feature on Friday but nonetheless add to Arsenal's injury concerns having been ruled out of contention to play against Japan.
Phil Foden has not been released from the squad but his involvement remains up in the air after limping off on Friday following a nasty challenge from Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.
Fikayo Tomori and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both featured in the recent draw. Alongside Aaron Ramsdale, they have returned to their clubs without any apparent injury concerns ahead of Tuesday's sec0ond match.
Players who have been chosen to stay with the squad give some clear indications as to who else is in contention to make the plane this summer, not forgetting the injured players such as Reece James, who appears nailed-on to be included if he is fit.
Dean Henderson, almost certain to be No. 2 in goal this summer, may well get a rare chance to start for his country after having a week off in order to give Pickford his own chance to rest.
A return to the team seems likely for Burn, Guehi and O'Reilly, but who joins them at right back remains to be seen.
Anderson seems virtually guaranteed to start this match barring any health concerns and they are likely to be joined by either Rogers, because Jude Bellingham won't be risked.
In attack, it looks like Kane will be supported by a combination of Gordon or Rashford.
Who is available to play Japan?
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), Ben White (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), James Garner (Everton), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Forwards: Harvey Barnes (Newcastle United), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)