ENGLAND had only a handful of fans in the stands to witness a boring 0-0 draw against Italy.
A match with few chances of note meant the Three Lions are still bottom of their Nations League group and have scored one goal in three games.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
Stay up to date with all the action in our live blog…
That’s all from Molineux
England’s miserable Nations League form continues as Gareth Southgate’s men are held to a bore 0-0 draw against Italy.
The Three Lions lacked intensity throughout the second half which meant for a very negative performance.
They will now face Hungary on Tuesday for the final game in this round of fixtures.
Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini’s side are due to take on Germany.
Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
Tomori shines on England debut
One positive that can be taken from England’s dull display this evening is Fikayo Tomori’s excellent performance on his full debut.
He looked comfortable in his position throughout and played with a high level of confidence and composure.
Gareth Southgate will surely have to consider him as a regular starter now.
Credit: Getty Roberto Mancini reacts
“They [England] are one of the best teams in Europe at this moment.
“They have many very good players. They are maybe trying some different things before the World Cup.
“They are one of the candidates to win the World Cup in Qatar.”
Credit: Getty
Gareth Southgate reacts
When speaking to Channel 4, the England boss said:
“There were things we did really well in Germany and things we needed to improve on, we did improve like beating their midfield press, we had two or three really good chances which we need to score, we lacked the sharpness in the final third.
“In the second half we were much the better team. When you are pushing and there is no crowd behind you and that makes a difference.”
“We are trying to move the ball through a good, well-organised team. We gave the ball into our forward players, we have given them all a go and tried to refresh it so that sharpness in the final third is not there. I was pleased with the general performance.
“We have been too reliant on Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling and other players have to step into that space. A number of them have been able to it with their clubs but have not converted at international level.
“Today Aaron Ramsdale did very well and make a couple of important saves, his composure with the ball is what we hoped.
“Fikayo Tomori did really well and pleased he has come through from the slight injury he had, that will give us more depth.
“James Ward-Prowse used the ball well, controlled the game and his passing was good.
“Tammy Abraham was fine and was not unhappy with his performance.
“This has been a difficult series of matches, two away game and you saw how difficult Hungary are to play against.
“Then in Munich then when we have the advantage we did not have the crowd. Physically and psychologically that makes a difference.”
Credit: PA Elsewhere in Group C
Hungary held Germany to a 1-1 draw in Budapest.
Marco Rossi’s side took the lead through an early goal from Zsolt Nagy.
But it took just three minutes for Jonas Hofmann to level the score.
Italy remain at the top of the table, with Hungary just one point behind.
Germany closely follow, and England are at the bottom.
Mason Mount reacts
When speaking to Channel 4, Mount said:
“It is frustrating, we want to win, create chances and score goals. I probably should have done better with my chances, we had a few other chances and it is something we have to look at.
“We are keeping clean sheets so it is something that is a positive but we have to work at it.
“We have had chances today and probably should have scored, sometimes you go through little periods where it is difficult.
“We have to keep working hard in training, look where we can improve.
“We have the players to to do that, the talent and quality, just work at it.
“I was in a 10 role so gave me freedom to roam and find spaces, linking the midfield to the attacking boys.
“I found myself in spaces to shoot but did not to do well enough from my shot but it was too easy for the keeper.
“It is a difficult one to take because I feel we could have come away with more.
“We want to win every game, even if it is a friendly. We have looked a the last two games, felt confident in what we do but it is a tough one.”
Credit: Getty Bore draw
England have now failed to score in almost HALF of their Nations League fixtures.
Full Time – England 0-0 Italy
The Three Lions have failed to end their miserable run of form in this competition.
Gareth Southgate’s squad looked good throughout the first half, with Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse and Mason Mount running the midfield, but the intensity dropped off massively after the break.
The approach was very negative, with an excessive amount of passes being sent backwards – this gave Italy plenty of time to strengthen their defensive unit by getting everyone behind the ball.
England now remain bottom of the table, and as things stand they will be relegated to League B if they can’t turn things around soon.
Full Time – England 0-0 Italy
The points are shared here at Molineux.
Credit: PA
90+2. England 0-0 Italy
Bowen is brought down by Tonali, who is then shown a yellow card.
Trippier steps up to take the free kick, but nothing comes of it.
90+1. England 0-0 Italy
Ward-Prowse sends a corner into the box.
It falls to Phillips, but the referee awards Italy with a free kick following a push.
89. England 0-0 Italy
England have dropped of massively in the last 30 minutes.
They have lacked intensity, which has made it easy for Italy to defend any efforts.
88. England 0-0 Italy
Southgate makes another change for England.
Guehi comes on to replace Tomori.
87. England 0-0 Italy
Another change for Italy.
Florenzi replaces Dimarco.
Cristante replaces Pessina.
81. England 0-0 Italy
England have made another change.
Saka has come on to replace Sterling.
81. England 0-0 Italy
A poor pass from Phillips is intercepted by Pessina but Ward-Prowse gives a foul away by challenging for the ball.
He is then booked by the referee.
79. England 0-0 Italy
Grealish sets the ball to Kane on the edge of the box.
The striker plays a one-two with Sterling before getting the shot away, but his strike is blocked.
77. England 0-0 Italy
Italy make another change.
Raspadori comes on to replace Scamacca.
75. England 0-0 Italy
Pessina takes advantage of a mistake from Tomori and steals the ball before driving towards goal.
Italy look to attack, but the move eventually breaks down.
70. England 0-0 Italy
Gnonto makes an instant impact as he drives towards goal, but his effort hits the side netting.
20 minutes to go…
66. England 0-0 Italy
Mancini also makes some changes.
Esposito replaces Locatelli.
Gnonto replaces Pellegrini.
65. England 0-0 Italy
Southgate makes England’s first three changes of the evening.
Kane replaces Abraham.
Bowen replaces Mount.
Phillips replaces Rice.
62. England 0-0 Italy
Huge chance for Italy!
Pellegrini sends a fantastic pass to Di Lorenzo who makes a run into the box, but he cannot get the shot away.
55. England 0-0 Italy
Grealish sets the ball to Sterling in the box, but his shot rolls into the hands of Donnarumma.
53. England 0-0 Italy
Huge chance for England!
James sends a fantastic cross into the box from the right.
It reaches Sterling at the back post, but the winger completely misses the target from four yards out!
How did he miss that?!
Credit: Getty
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
