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| Jack Butland gave an assured performance in an England number one jersey |
Undoubtedly, the World Cup winner could teach much to his promising youngster, but the more prosaic lesson relevant to Monday's rare opportunity for Butland is that an England goalkeeper is only ever one dodgy fajita away from disaster.
Infamously, Banks' bout of food poisoning in the 1970 World Cup contributed to Germany putting three soft goals past dodgy deputy Peter Bonetti, making his seventh and last appearance for his country.
Rob Green had eight caps when he was told on the day of the USA game at the 2010 World Cup that he was suddenly Fabio Capello's no. 1 choice.
Scott Carson was making his debut against Croatia on the infamous "Wally with the Brolly" night in 2007 and that lesson is a clear one.
No matter how blessed England are with their top goalkeeper, every effort has to be put into making sure the no. 2 is as prepared as possible to step into their shoes.
Butland's international experience thus far consisted of 45 minutes against Italy as a teenager three years ago and with Joe Hart determined to play as many games as possible, this may well be his final start before France.
Albeit one against a side not expected to muster too much in the way of goalmouth action and the strange experience of not having any fans behind him in the second half at this three-sided ground.
An alien artificial surface should be considered an issue, however - what Paul Robinson would have given for a smooth carpet to kick from when he suffered his own disaster?
For Butland, last night was more a test of non-pitch related matters - how he was able to organise his defence, cut down the angles and command the area.
A clearance to the halfway line in the first minute was performed nervelessly and he was eager at all opportunities to help his defenders out in the spirit of keeping England in controlled possession.
His first real action did not come until England were already ahead 33 minutes into the game. Lukas Spalvis let fly from 25 yards and there was a deflection off Phil Jagielka but Butland was there to turn the ball somewhat photogenically past the far post.
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| Joe Hart may start looking behind him for competition for the England goalkeeping shirt |
Butland was quick off his line when he needed to be, especially when Fiodor Cernych threatened to break through just before the interval.
The second period was spent mostly as a spectator - his likely role for much of his England career if Hart continues his impressive development.
But this is football, not a theatre and a spot standing at the back will always offer a far better experience than a seat at the side.
One England hope he never has to draw on.
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