ENGLAND’S stars had their final chance to make a positive impression in the matches against Italy and Germany.
The Italy game saw the Three Lions crash to a third defeat in five games and saw them relegated from their Nations League group.
Meanwhile, the 3-3 draw against Germany finally got England back to scoring ways, but showed off some glaring weaknesses in the squad.
Below we set out the big winners and losers from the internationals ahead of the World Cup in just under two months time.
WINNERS
The first big winner from the two games was Bukayo Saka.
Saka proved once again why he should be starting for England at right wing, with a superb display against Germany which almost single-handedly ended Southgate’s winless run.
Mason Mount was the next big winner, particularly after scoring against Germany.
His own cameo off the bench saw him breathe life into the team’s display, and his pairing with Saka showcased why they are two of England’s brightest stars.
Jude Belllingham also added his own class to the midfield alongside Declan Rice, showing Southgate he can rely on this partnership going forward.
The Borussia Dortmund star run the show, and should have almost certainly compounded Kalvin Phillips to a position on the bench going forward.
In defence, Eric Dier looked comfortable and composed compared to those around him as he starred in both games.
Dier was one of the stars of the last World Cup, and he has done everything possible to try and recapture his England spot after his most recent displays.
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James Maddison is the final winner from these games, with his continued omission from the England setup continuing to baffle considering the lack of creativity shown at times.
The Leicester stars creative qualities could shine within this England team, and when the likes of Phil Foden or Raheem Sterling fail to supply the goods, Maddison would be a perfect player to step in.
LOSERS
Moving on to the big losers, we will start at the back of the team in Nick Pope.
Were it not for his error at the end of the game England would have beat Germany, and therefore in his chance to prove his credentials as England’s number one he has instead given more wriggle room to Jordan Pickford.
In front of him Harry Maguire’s club form looks to have caught up to him at international level.
He gave away the penalty for Germany’s opener and the trust Southgate has in him must be starting to erode, which consequently means his World Cup spot is growing more perilous by the day.
The stellar performances of the aforementioned Bellingham have likely compounded Phillips to a place on the bench despite his strong displays during the last Euros.
Phillips will now need a monumental effort to usurp his compatriot from the position as Rice’s midfield partner, making him one of the biggest losers from the last two games.
In a similar fashion, the strong performance of Saka in the attack will see Foden’s place put under significant threat.
The 22-year-old’s only goals for England came against Iceland in 2020, and with continuously average displays it is difficult to see him now starting when the World Cup rolls around due to the impression Saka has left.
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The most disappointed star from these games will no doubt be Ivan Toney, who was enjoying his first experience in the England squad after a strong start to the season for Brentford.
Toney made the squad for Germany but failed to come on as he wasn’t allowed to prove himself. His only hope now is his impressive club form continues and that he left a good impression in training.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
