Ron Greenwood's first selection as manager of England in 1977 made the record books for two reasons. Ian Callaghan was recalled 11 years after his previous cap, a hiatus that is still the longest for an England international. And Callaghan's inclusion meant England fielded six Liverpool players, their largest post-war starting contingent from one club.
That latter record is the one Claudio Ranieri looks intent on breaking at Chelsea. Although Ranieri has a depleted squad, three of his England internationals will play against Charlton this afternoon. A back four containing Glen Johnson and Wayne Bridge will operate behind Frank Lampard, arguably the Premiership's most improved player. Suspension prevents John Terry and Joe Cole lacing their boots, and the sixth of Ranieri's England players, Scott Parker, is missing because of Charlton's insistence that this be a condition of his £10 million transfer.
'If you follow us from the beginning you know my philosophy is to buy young English players and Parker is one of the best,' said Ranieri.
Was the Italian merely laying foundations for someone else? Peter Kenyon's pronouncement that winning nothing this season would be a 'failure' can be viewed either as a logical statement from a new chief executive acknowledging Roman Abramovich's £120m investment or a reminder to Ranieri after a nudge from the boss.
Kenyon's statement has added to the sense of expectation at Chelsea, and it does seem more than a touch likely that since the infamous photograph of England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson meeting the Russian billionaire last summer, the Swede has been advising Abramovich which of his current England charges he would like if he takes over after Euro 2004. Asked if he fancied Wayne Rooney or Michael Owen to make it an England player available in all outfield positions, Ranieri laughed. 'I don't know what happens in the summer,' he said. 'Maybe after February it will be clearer. I think only of Charlton.'
Ranieri brushed off questions about Kenyon's remarks. 'It has been like this since last summer and Eriksson. Then it began. The world knows that Mr Abramovich met Sven-Göran Eriksson but I did not seek reassurance after that.'
Defeat today at home to Charlton is unthinkable for Chelsea's title hopes. The Addicks defeated Chelsea 4-2 on Boxing Day and, with Damien Duff, Hernan Crespo, Emmanuel Petit, Mario Stanic and Juan Veron among the injured, the Blues, despite all their spending, are understaffed.
It is the wrong month to be depleted. Over the next three weeks, Chelsea meet Arsenal twice, in the Premiership and the FA Cup fifth round, before Stuttgart visit Stamford Bridge for a Champions League quarter-final. It might seem faintly ridiculous to ask, but was Ranieri happy with acquiring only Parker in last month's transfer window?
'Of course.' Was there another area of his squad he would like to strengthen? 'Of course not. 'I am very pleased with all the players in my squad. Why must you always ask about next season?'
Whether Ranieri is still in charge or not, next season Chelsea's six England players are likely to become seven. There is one rumour buzzing around the Premiership that just won't go away: Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United's record signing, is on his way out of Old Trafford in the summer - and on his way to Chelsea.
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