Frank Lampard will probably be fairly satisfied with the lack of Everton players called up for international duty over the current break. Of course, some of that will point to the poor form of his squad - which is obviously less than ideal - but it means he can keep the majority under his watchful eye this week.
There's no escaping the palpable feeling that this could be a crucial period of the run-in. Other sides across the Premier League are gearing up for the fight ahead - some with either much more experience of being in these positions in the past, or with a fair amount of confidence thanks to their recent results.
While Everton might have some of the latter attribute, the match against Crystal Palace will have made a fair dent in that. It doesn't matter if it was in the FA Cup, a side near the relegation zone should be trying to avoid 4-0 defeats as much as they possibly can, that much is obvious.
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But, while Lampard will have much of his squad to mould in his image over the course of the international break, there have been a few players who have flew the nest for a brief amount of time. All of them find themselves in hugely different positions in the squad - but could be returning to Finch Farm at the end of next week with important messages for the manager to take note of.
Anthony Gordon might not have had much of a strong statement to make over the course of this week, but he's already making sure that he's firmly in the mind of his club manager still. Coming off the bench for England's under-21s on Friday evening, he scored a fantastic volley to help secure a 4-1 win over Andorra.
He's been one of Everton's strongest performers over the course of recent months, excelling this season as he has been handed regular first-team opportunities to continue his progression from the academy. But it's his attitude and commitment which earn him the most plaudits from Evertonians, desperate to see their side fight for their place in the Premier League.
At the back end of this season, competition for places in the forward positions for the Blues might be increased with the likes of Demarai Gray, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dele Alli regularly finding full fitness. All three of those have been at Finch Farm this week, and could be central to Lampard's plans moving forward - depending on which system he chooses to play.
But Lampard will have to keep a close eye on Gordon. The youngster is a fan-favourite thanks to his attitude, and the quality of his finish this week on an international stage shows that he has a lot to give in these final months.
He'll have competition from Richarlison in those forward areas though, with the Brazilian no doubt returning to Merseyside with a spring in his step. He might not have scored for his club since Lampard's first match in charge, but he did bag for his country earlier this week.
Interestingly, his effort came from the right flank - a position he's not played all too often in his time with Everton so far. He collected the ball neatly just inside the box, before turning onto his left foot and producing a lovely measured finish into the far corner of the goal.
Perhaps Richarlison won't just be coming back with a renewed confidence, but with something of a new measure in versatility. Everyone knows he wants to play through the middle while most believe his best position is actually from the left flank - but could that strike potentially give Lampard something to think about in terms of Richarlison as a right-winger? Only time will tell.
Of course, it would be remiss to not mention the performance of Nathan Patterson in all this. He's someone that a certain section of supporters have been clamouring to see since his move from Rangers in January, but he's found his opportunities very limited so far.
His only first-team outing for the Blues has been in the first half of the clash against Boreham Wood, where he looked like one of the best players on the pitch before he was substituted to benefit a change of shape the manager wanted to try. Regardless, there were qualities on display that proved very interesting.
Patterson demonstrated those again in Scotland's draw with Poland earlier in the week, particularly in one passage of play which found itself shared on social media shortly after the game. In it, the defender picks up the ball on the halfway line, beating a man, before driving forwards with pace and purpose into the box - before unfortunately being unable to set up an opportunity or score himself.
The right-back position has long been a problem area for many Evertonians, and they believed Patterson to be the exciting talent to signify a new dawn in that area after his January transfer. The reality is that, despite his clear talent and promise, he's still lacking in experience - and perhaps that has worked against him so far at Goodison Park.
Rather than sulk or rest on his laurels, Patterson has taken his opportunity on the international stage to showcase what he can do if given the chance, and a lot of supporters sat up and took notice. Seamus Coleman and Jonjoe Kenny have been reliable options in the past and the January signing does represent a risk, but why not take it when the chips are down?
His youthful exuberance in that area of the pitch could be the catalyst Everton need to take them forwards, but at the same time there are still potential downsides that it does have to be weighed against. Ultimately, it's a decision for Lampard to make - and one that Patterson can put right on the toes of his manager with performances such as those.
The Blues are hurtling towards the business end of their disappointing campaign, and this international break is undoubtedly important. But it's not just the players at Finch Farm with something to prove, and this trio currently away with their countries are proving exactly that.
