Why England's future can't wait after Ashes whitewash - James O'Brien comment
In the aftermath of a painful defeat, the phrase 'blessing in disguise' can act as a comfort blanket.
Even when that optimism feels a stretch, it softens the blow and convinces us that something good might yet come of it. Simply put, it is a way of moving on from failure.
But every so often, the well-worn phrase rings true. England's Ashes whitewash may just be one of those moments.
While a 3-0 loss leaves scars that will take time to heal, it could serve as a timely reality check.
The performances were flat and lacking in spark – the kind that make change unavoidable heading into a World Cup year.
A narrow defeat might have papered over cracks; a whitewash leaves no room for debate.
With an average age of 27.5 heading into the Ashes, the England squad was hardly ancient, yet the need for fresh blood has become obvious.
Next year's World Cup presents both challenges and opportunities. Untested players will be learning on the run, which carries an element of risk, but introducing fresh faces also gives England the chance to surprise the southern hemisphere giants with something new and unpredictable.
If the national team head to Australia relying on the same personnel and tactics that floundered this autumn, they can expect an early exit.
Shaun Wane's Ashes squad featured eight players over the age of 30, providing a solid core of experience. While uncertainty surrounds Wane's position amid an official review of a disastrous series, there is another pressing question: how can the squad evolve?
Naturally, there is a clamour to move on from players at the tail end of their international careers.
Alex Walmsley – the oldest player in the Ashes squad – will be 36 when the World Cup begins, leaving his participation in serious doubt.
Kallum Watkins did his chances no harm with two strong showings against Australia but he too is a question mark as he approaches his 35th birthday.
John Bateman, Joe Burgess and Daryl Clark are among the other players under threat, while George Williams faces a big year in 2026.
Williams – together with team-mates such as Bateman – was selected as part of Wane's 'credit in the bank' policy but largely maintained his unconvincing club form.
Behind each of those questions lies a talented young player waiting for their chance.
Junior Nsemba was tipped as the next big thing before a challenging 2025, while Wigan Warriors team-mate Sam Walters is another forward with the physical attributes to trouble the best international teams.
But as the Ashes demonstrated, England will need more than brute force to compete at the World Cup.
Before looking outside the squad for fresh talent, the national team must first recognise the quality already in front of them.
Placing Mikey Lewis at the centre of the rebuild would give him the confidence and responsibility of being England's main man.
During the Ashes, Lewis was moved around the spine and struggled to assert his influence as a consequence.
Harry Smith, who missed the opener before returning to the halves for the final two Tests, has time on his side but must demonstrate there is more to his game than just his kicking.
Jake Connor became a better player during the series, his reputation strengthened by his head-scratching omission.
Even at 31, the playmaker has a lot to offer at international level if he can maintain the form that earned him the Man of Steel in 2025.
St Helens need to find a way of getting the prodigiously talented Harry Robertson into their spine, while Huddersfield Giants full-back George Flanagan is another star of the future.
At the World Cup, England might just benefit from the fearlessness that both players displayed last season.
One thing is for certain: they need to move away from predictable patterns and become more dynamic if they are to challenge the best.
Will Pryce and Bailey Hodgson are among the other potential bolters, while Brad O'Neill could act as the yin to Jez Litten's yang.
Hull FC winger Lewis Martin is a shoo-in if he builds on a stellar 2025 campaign.
In the centres, Oli Pratt and Umyla Hanley could challenge Harry Newman and Jake Wardle for a spot alongside Herbie Farnworth.
Fitness issues and withdrawals saw players like Victor Radley, Matty Ashton and Matty Nicholson miss the Ashes. Their return would instantly improve the squad.
It could be argued that Wane missed a trick by not exposing uncapped youngsters to camp life this autumn, meaning they will be thrown in at the deep end Down Under next year.
But that sink-or-swim scenario could be the making of them.
England's next game may just be at the World Cup, giving them the chance to arrive in Australia with the element of surprise that was lacking during the Ashes.
High risk, high reward: if the next generation seize their chance, the future could arrive early.