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CHRIS SUTTON: Do we just accept this? Gareth Southgate doesn’t play heavy metal football but the lack of courage and confidence hurts his side… this wasn’t the kind of display that would make you think England are going to win the World Cup
- England relegated from Nations League A after defeat to Italy
- Manager Gareth Southgate’s team lacked rhythm and continuity in the match
- The Three Lions won’t win the World Cup by playing teams off the field
- England looked more dangerous as they tried to play on the counter-attack
- Click here for all the latest 2022 World Cup news and updates
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If Gareth Southgate wanted a gig, this wasn’t it. It wasn’t the kind of performance that makes you think as a fan that England will win the World Cup.
When Southgate plays bigger games, he goes with a back-three, but it was all pretty bland. Whether previous results played in their heads I’m not sure, but there was a real lack of rhythm and continuity.
They didn’t get going all night. Neither side did. It’s amazing to think that these two were supposedly the best teams in the continent when they reached the final of the European Championship last year.
England manager Gareth Southgate’s team looked without rhythm and continuity against Italy
England will not win in Qatar by taking the teams off the pitch and they certainly seemed more of a threat on the counter.
On the plus side, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham showed some really nice touches. Bellingham deserves his chance.
He always wants to get ahead with the ball and break through the lines, but England couldn’t get him enough on the ball. They will need his courage and willingness to take the field in Qatar.
Phil Foden was a bright spark for England as he showed some good moments for England
Another positive was that England did not allow many great chances. Eric Dier came in and looked confident. Starting Bukayo Saka was an interesting decision as a left back.
It’s a tough question to get to the other side of the pitch and I’m not saying he’s incapable, but it was a trial of the manager who didn’t work the way he wanted.
I suppose the argument is that England looked good defensively but with the World Cup just two months away, are they playing with enough courage and confidence?
It’s not heavy metal football, but it’s never been under Gareth. Should we just accept this?
Usual winger Bukayo Saka made his first appearance for England as a left-back