The sun had set on the Pyrenees about an hour before England took to the field in Andorra on Saturday night.
The spectacular mountains, which encircle and stand guard over the capital city of Andorra La Vella, receded into the darkness as the National Stadium, still scarred by fire which had engulfed the TV gantry on Friday, finally took centre stage.
The ski season is yet to begin here and the shopping complexes accommodating Catalan visitors searching tax-free bargains on a busy Saturday afternoon had shut by then, so the football really was the principle draw in town.
Gareth Southgate cut a pensive figure as England went about their business in Andorra
Floodlights on, astroturf swept clear and elegant high-rise flats overlooking the pitch on one side, it had the feel of the after-work kick-about at the leisure centre.
2285 watched on, the stadium at 70 per cent capacity because of Covid restrictions.
It was certainly far removed from the feral crowd chaos and penalty woes of the Euro final at Wembley just three months ago and somewhat lower key than Qatar will be in a year's time when England take the field at a major tournament again.
Yet, despite the obvious mismatch, if England play, reputations are at stake.
Landmark moments are on offer, such as Ben Chilwell's first England goal, finally celebrated by the team after an interminable VAR check with almost the enthusiasm of a World Cup winner.
Opportunities present themselves, such as the first two assists of Jadon Sancho's season, goals for Tammy Abraham and James Ward-Prowse and a crowd pleasing run and finish for Jack Grealish.
Southgate shuffled his pack to face the minnows and was repaid handsomely by his stars