Gareth Southgate's brilliant man management was on full show as he paid tribute to his England players who are out of the spotlight after the victory over Ukraine.
While many would highlight the performances of superstars such as Harry Kane after the 4-0 victory, Southgate turned his attention to those who did not get to feature at Stadio Olimpico.
The Three Lions boss was forced to leave seven players on the bench for the Euro 2020 quarter-final, while three players had to be left out of the matchday squad.
And Southgate sent a classy message to the members of his squad on the periphery, whom he insists are playing a key role.
"The players have been fantastic and to play as well as they did in a game with so much resting on it is really impressive," Southgate told BBC Sport .
"It’s a strange feeling. I’m actually thinking at this moment about the players who didn’t get on the pitch.
"The likes of Conor Coady, Ben Chilwell, Sam Johnstone, Aaron Ramsdale, they are the ones that make this team successful because the spirit of the group is phenomenal.
"Whoever comes in does the job and whoever misses out, which is difficult, I have to leave three out of the squad every time, and the squad mentality has been fantastic.
"At the moment that’s what’s uppermost in my mind, looking after those guys."
Southgate added: "I’m spending more energy thinking about the three I have to leave out of the 26 because they’re all good players and none of them deserve to be left out.
"They’re all giving everything in training so none of it is because I don’t think they are up to the level.
Can Gareth Southgate steer England to Euro 2020 glory? Comment below.
"But we have got to make those decisions and make the right call and decision for the game. All the players have been brilliant and right the way through the group have been absolutely fantastic."
Meanwhile, Southgate admitted he has "not really" been able to bask in England's success due to his burning desire to progress beyond the semi-finals.
"But it’s fabulous, I suppose it’s still sinking in a bit, we’re in another semi-final, three in three years," he said.
"Uppermost in my mind, we want to go a step further, two steps further. I know what is happening at home and it’s great.
"Lovely to send everybody on a Saturday night beer in hand, in the air and they should, they should enjoy it.
"It’s been a long year for everybody and I’m chuffed that the two performances we’ve put on have brought so much enjoyment and happiness to people."
