Luke Shaw says missing Euro2016 was by far the more advantageous path to follow.
The Manchester United defender was attempting to get back to full fitness for the summer's European Championships after suffering from a horrific double leg break sustained in September.
However, the 21-year-old opted to forego a potential call-up from the Three Lions to instead focus on the final stages of his recovery which now has him playing top quality football for United.
"During the time I did think I'd be back for the Euros but when it was coming around I felt it was best for me not to rush it," Shaw said.
"I really wanted to go and I was trying everything to get back fit but that's gone now.
"And it was the best thing for me to not to go. That's the best decision I could have made."