49erssports.com - The performance of the England national team was quite disappointing ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The Three Lions just lost 0-1 to Italy in the 2022/2023 UEFA Nations League.
The only goal of Italy's victory over England was born through the action of Giacomo Raspadori. The result made the England national team go their last five games without a win and were relegated from the UEFA Nations League A.
According to The Sun, England haven't had a string of bad results like this since 1992 or under the late Graham Taylor. Moreover, the 2022 World Cup has only 56 days left to roll.
In the current case, England have not only forgotten how to win, but they can't even score again, despite having deadly striker Harry Kane up front. On another note, they haven't scored from open play in 450 minutes.
This minor result makes Harry Maguire et al. booed by their own fans. Even The Sun's poll on Twitter showed an 83 percent figure that fans wanted Gareth Soutghate fired before the World Cup started.
Before actually wading through the competition in the 2022 World Cup, there is a number of homework that must be completed by Gareth Southgate and his men. Here are five main problems that need to be solved immediately.
Too Careful
The England squad played with three central defenders in Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire and Eric Dier against Italy yesterday. Gareth Southgate is careful to change his style of play as the World Cup draws near.
With a three-back formation, it means England are playing more offensively. However, they are still struggling to score goals. Despite having many chances, they couldn't score any goals.
England legend Gary Lineker has criticized Gareth Southgate for parking Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench against Italy. For Lineker, the Liverpool full-back is the most creative player England have at the moment.
Key Players Still Disappointing
Some of Gareth Southgate's key players are trying to get back to their best. Like Harry Maguire, Ben Chilwell, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount.
Top of the list is Harry Maguire, who was selected in the starting XI against Italy, although he has made just five appearances for Man Utd this season.
At left-back, Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw started out at Chelsea and United. Likewise Mason Mount who has not been as fresh as last season at Chelsea. Only Raheem Sterling has found the best performance since joining Chelsea from Man City.
Southgate has to decide which players to keep, and which players to get rid of for better performances.
Relying too much on Harry Kane
The way of attacking in the English game is considered outdated. That is by always placing Harry Kane in the middle, and Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden on either side.
Kane does have 50 goals for England, but he did little against Italy. Even have to play deeper. The current coating, Ivan Toney or Tammy Abraham, is also still lacking in experience.
It seems that Marcus Rashford's figure can bring a breath of fresh air. Rashford seems to have rediscovered his sharpness with United and will at least give Southgate another option.
But it's a shame he picked up a muscle injury and missed a meeting with the squad.
Give Trust to Young Players
There is nothing wrong with Gareth Southgate giving more confidence to his young players. Like Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham.
Bukayo Saka is one of England's brightest talents, but he often plays defensively. Likewise Jude Bellingham who is shackled in midfield.
Phil Foden has been a key figure for Pep Guardiola at Man City, but Southgate has yet to find a way to get the best out of him at England level.
It's Time to Answer Doubts
The figure of Gareth Southgate seems to have to answer the doubts of the British public. Because he was appointed to handle The Three Lions since 2016, but there have been no achievements that are far to be proud of.
The most striking failure was when England failed to win the Euro 2020 trophy after being humiliated by Italy in front of their own supporters. Most recently, Southgate was booed by English fans for the 0-4 defeat at home to Hungary and 0-1 at the Italian headquarters.
"I understand the reaction in the end because of the results we got in this competition. It's an understandable emotional reaction," said Gareth Southgate after the game.
Southgate needs to reverse the optimistic mood. Namely the victory over Germany at Wembley, Tuesday (27/9/2022) early morning, as their last match before leaving for Qatar.