England fell to another painful defeat to Italy which this time saw them relegated from League A of the Nations League. With only one game to go until the World Cup begins, this 1-0 defeat in Milan meant that England’s fractured preparation continued, and the pressure on Gareth Southgate increased.
The manager started with a back five that saw Bukayo Saka start at left wing-back due to a lack of options. But it saw England’s attack blunted again as they failed to score from open play, something they haven’t done in a competitive match since they beat San Marino last November.
It’s a hugely worrying trend heading into the World Cup. Despite all the attacking talent in the squad, they currently aren’t playing with any fluidity or excitement. Meanwhile the defence is unable to keep a clean sheet. It’s now five games without a win for the first time since 2014, and it's a run that has come at the worst time.
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It’s three matches without a goal of any type for England for the first time in 22 years. Harry Kane fired over from range and saw two further efforts denied by Gianlugi Donnarumma but England’s main chances came from set pieces. Most of their game plan felt like they were trying to win set pieces from a whistle happy referee.
It was all very 2018. But it isn’t 2018. This is a team that has proved they are better than four years ago in the year since. Yet the ideas that are transpiring on the pitch don’t seem to suggest we are any better. If there was one positive to come from another defeat, it has to be Jude Bellingham.
Partnered with Declan Rice in midfield, Bellingham was imperious. Amid a side that looked to be feeling the pressure of a nation ahead of the World Cup, the 19-year-old was a relentless runner, playing freedome going forward, and discipline going backwards.
He was the beating heart. A teenage dream. A man who has surely now nailed down a starting place alongside the West Ham captain in Qatar. Rice himself spoke after the game saying that “Trust me, we are going to be good.”
The goal itself was a momentary lapse that England were punished for. A long ball over the top caught Kyle Walker out. Napoli’s Giacomo Raspadori brought the ball down beautifully and then cut inside before firing the ball into the far corner. The 22-year-old took the adoration of the home crowd, while the England players’ heads dropped, behind again.
Southgate responded immediately by bringing on Luke Shaw for Saka and Jack Grealish for Kyle Walker as England switched to a back four. The Three Lions pushed forward and it seemed to inspire a reaction, but Italy were up to their old tricks again. The 4-2-3-1 did inspire England to create more chances, but ultimately the goal didn’t come.
This performance proved several things, but one was the desperate need for a left-back. In the summer it was a glaringly obvious issue and with Saka played out of position for the majority of the match, it still needs addressing. Shaw and Chilwell’s fitness will be crucial over the next couple of months.
Instead of an equaliser, Former Southampton striker Manolo Gabbiadini came closest for Italy when was denied when one on one with Nick Pope before Italy hit the post as England avoided further embarrassment. The feeling of goodwill around this team, and the manager has completely gone now.
As Southgate went over to clap the travelling England fans, he was loudly booed. For all the good he has done for this country, surely this only ends one way. And it isn’t with a World Cup trophy in his hands.
