The FA’s Chief Executive sat next to Sven during the draw in Germany and he will once again be in close consultation with the England coach as they "plan strategically" for our games against Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago and Sweden in June.

“Now we can start planning for our group games and also the friendlies that we are going to play in the build up,” Barwick explained. "So, over the next few days and weeks, we will put together our friendly programme to build towards the World Cup.

“We will be planning strategically for the opponents that we are going to face in Germany."

He may not be out on the pitch in Germany, but Barwick is fully aware of the contribution he can make to England’s World Cup dream.

“As Chief Executive I will make sure that I give every assistance possible to the coach and the team,” he said. “We will make sure the football comes first in all the arrangements we make as we build towards next summer.

“When our players cross the white line in Germany, we want to know that we’ve done everything we can to give them the opportunity to be successful.”