Harry Kane fired England to next summer's World Cup but his last-gasp winner cannot paper over the cracks after Gareth Southgate's men limped to victory against limited Slovenia.
Dull, flat and uneventful all aptly describe a Group F encounter that may secure World Cup qualification but leaves just as many questions as answers - an all too common theme in recent matches.
So underwhelming was this encounter that fans seemed more excited about paper planes landing on the pitch, with England offering precious little to shout about until captain Kane directed home to secure a stodgy 1-0 win in stoppage time.
The Three Lions may be able to book their flights for Russia but this listless display against a side ranked 55th in the world only underlines the work that needs to be done to stop next summer ending up like the last World Cup or Euro 2016.
Argentina are in danger of missing their first World Cup since 1970 after they were held to a 0-0 draw against Peru.
Even a sell-out home crowd in Buenos Aires' La Bombonera was not enough to rally Lionel Messi's side, who slipped further from the qualifying places.
Manager Jorge Sampaoli granted Boca Juniors striker Dario Benedetto his full debut alongside Papu Gomez up front, although still it was not enough to invigorate the struggling team.
Argentina showed promise and controlled possession for opening stages of both halves, although Peru eventually found their stride.
Messi came tantalisingly close after finding himself on the receiving end of a corner midway into the first half, although a well-placed Peru defender sent his effort wide.
The teams to have qualified so far are as follows:
Hosts (1) - Russia
Africa (5)
Asia (4.5) - Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea
Europe (13) - Belgium, England, Germany
North, Central America and Caribbean (3.5) - Mexico
Oceania (0.5)
South America (4.5) - Brazil