Roy Hodgson got back to the nitty gritty after the Rio Ferdinand farce as England trained at St. George's Park ahead of their World Cup qualifiers in San Marino and Montenegro.
James Milner and Frank Lampard were on press duties, and Ferdinand's former West Ham teammate Lampard was disappointed Ferdinand hadn't linked up with the squad.
"I was sorry for Rio and the team, as he's been in fantastic form," Lampard said.
"I understand he has his own regime, when you have to manage yourself. Rio is very disciplined in that so all credit to him."
Talk also turned to another absent member, specifically Michael Owen, who will retire at the end of the season.
"Michael had a fantastic career and will go down in history as one of the greatest strikers we've had in history," Lampard said.
"He was a player I was proud to play alongside. He deserves very high praise.