In a parallel universe with a competent governing body of world football, things would be different for Conor Gallagher.
The Chelsea midfielder broke into the England squad during a sensational loan spell at Crystal Palace last season.
Gallagher quickly became a fan favourite at Selhurst Park last season
But his career has stagnated in the early months of the new season
Over the summer, when World Cups are supposed to take place, Gallagher was starting for the Three Lions.
But now, the 22-year-old has barely an outside chance of making Gareth Southgate's squad of Qatar 2022 after being snubbed for the most recent squad.
In the months since returning to Stamford Bridge from Selhurst Park, Gallagher has played 159 minutes of Premier League football.
It is not unthinkable to suggest his decision to stay at Chelsea has cost him a place at Qatar 2022.
Gallagher won the Player of the Year award at Palace and manager Patrick Vieira made no secret of his desire to sign the midfielder on a permanent deal in the summer window.
And he is not the only Chelsea midfielder who is fondly thought of by the Eagles faithful.
Loftus-Cheek arguably enjoyed the best season of his career at Palace
But he has also struggled for regular game time at Chelsea
In the 2017/18 season, Ruben Loftus-Cheek starred on loan at Palace and earned himself a place in Southgate's 2018 World Cup squad.
Luckily for him, that one took place during the summer, and the 26-year-old even broke into the starting XI at the tournament.
Fast forward four years at Chelsea and Loftus-Cheek is not even part of the conversation.
Both midfielders will likely be sat on the bench as the Blues travel to Palace on Saturday - live on talkSPORT 2.
They might well be wondering what the winter would entail if they were on the pitch in red and blue stripes.
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