ENGLAND’S preparations for the World Cup in Qatar are going from bad to worse.
The 1-0 defeat in Milan against European Champions Italy on Friday night means Gareth Southgate’s side are on a run of FIVE GAMES without a win.
England haven’t had such a barren run since 1992 when the late Graham Taylor was manager.
Not only have they forgotten how to win, they can’t even score any more, despite having England hero Harry Kane up front.
The Three Lions have not scored from open play in 450 MINUTES and have gone three games without a goal for the first time in 22 years.
They were booed off the park by the England fans in the San Siro, and a Sun Twitter poll showed 83% of fans want him sacked before the World Cup starts in 56 days’ time.
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Southgate’s side will now be relegated from League A of the Nations League so will play against weaker nations in 2024.
But it’s the World Cup that’s the major concern, with England’s first game against Iran on November 21.
Southgate is facing a desert storm of problems ahead of his trip to Qatar.
They have gone into reverse since losing the Euros finals on penalties a year ago.
Here are five key issues he must fix between now and then.
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Too cautious
England went with their tried and tested back five against Italy, with three centre-backs in Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire and Eric Dier.
This means fewer places for creative players, and perhaps helps explain England’s current goal drought.
Southgate is naturally cautious, so he’s unlikely to change formations so close to the tournament.
But his desire to keep it tight at the back limits England’s options in attack. They have not scored from open play for 450 minutes now, despite having so many options in attack.
Gary Lineker slammed Southgate for leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench against Italy, claiming he’s the most creative player England have.
Key players struggling for form
Several of Southgate’s key performers in recent tournaments are struggling at club level this season.
Top of the list is Harry Maguire, who was picked in the starting XI in Milan despite just five appearances for Man Utd this season.
At left back, Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw are out of their respective teams at Chelsea and United, meaning Bukayo Saka was crow-barred into the side against Italy as left wing-back.
Mason Mount’s form at Chelsea has fallen off a cliff, while Raheem Sterling is finding his feet at the club following his summer transfer.
Kalvin Phillips has hardly played since he moved to Man City.
Southgate has to decide which trusted players to stick with, and which ones to ditch for players in better form.
Relying on Kane
England looked stale in attack, with Harry Kane in the middle, and Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden either side of him.
Kane has 50 goals for his country, but was denied service in Italy and was forced to drop deeper.
England don’t have a Plan B if it’s not working with Kane, with Ivan Toney and Tammy Abraham too inexperienced at this level.
Marcus Rashford’s timely return to form at Man Utd will at least give Southgate another option.
It’s a pity he picked up a muscle injury and missed meeting up with the squad.
Trust his young stars
Saka is one of England’s brightest talents, but he spent much of the game on defensive duties.
Jude Bellingham too was shackled in midfield. The teenager needs to be give more freedom to attack and impose himself on the game.
Phil Foden has become a key figure for Pep Guardiola at Man City, but Southgate has yet to work out how to get the best out of him at international level.
Get the nation behind him
Southgate has been brilliant at getting fans on his side since he took the job in 2016.
However he was booed off the pitch at Molineux after a 4-0 home defeat to Hungary.
And he was greeted with more abuse when he went over to salute the 4,000 travelling supporters in the San Siro on Friday.
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Afterwards he said: “I understand the reaction at the end because of the results we’ve had in this competition. It is an understandable emotional reaction.”
Southgate needs to flip the mood. Victory over Germany at Wembley on Monday in their final game before Qatar would do much to lift the gloom.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
