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      Portugal 0-1 Spain LIVE: Nations League reaction as Morata hits dramatic late tap-in – latest updates

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      ALVARO MORATA scored a late winner as Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 to reach the Nations League finals.Cristiano Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes, and was sporting a nasty looking black eye after a collision in the 4-0 win over Czech Republic from the weekend.
      The teams now go forward to the World Cup, which kicks off in just SEVEN weeks.

      Result: Portugal 0-1 Spain
      Portugal XI: Diogo Costa, Cancelo, Danilo, Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes, Carvalho Fernandes, Ruben Neves, Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Jota
      Spain XI: Unai Simon, Carvajal, Guillamon, Pau Torres, Gaya, Soler, Rodri, Koke, Ferran Torres, Morata, Sarabia

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      That’s all from us
      Thank you all for tuning into SunSport’s live coverage.
      We hope you enjoyed it as Spain pulled off a historic win over Portugal in tonight’s Iberian derby.
      We’ll be back with plenty of live sporting action as the Premier League returns this weekend.
      Stayed tuned for that, but for now, good night and take care.
      Stat attack
      Some stats for your reading pleasure.
      Spain will play the UEFA Nations League final four for the second successive edition after finishing runners-up in 2020/21, the second team to do so after Italy (2020/21 and 2022/23).
      At 20 years and 77 days, Nico Williams has become the youngest player to provide an assist for Spain in the UEFA Nations League history.
      No player has scored more goals for Spain in all competitions than Álvaro Morata under Luis Enrique Martínez (13, level with Ferran Torres).
      Ferran Torres has failed to score in his last seven matches for Spain in all competitions (7 shots, 2 on target), having scored 12 goals in his previous 17 games (43 shots, 21 on target).
      Spain failed to register a shot on target in the first half of consecutive games for just the second time in all competitions since May 2006, the first being March 2016 under Vicente del Bosque.
      Ronaldo watch
      A massive personality like Ronaldo deserves his very own breakdown.
      And frankly, it did look like a car which needed some urgent repairs.
      While his off-ball movement was superb, particularly with two big chances in the second half that were only prevented from ending in goals thanks to Simon in Spain’s net, it must be said Ronaldo had an elusive performance.
      It is a common theme of his play these days to not be too involved in proceedings, and once again that occurred today.
      However, when he was involved too often his passing or ball control was too loose or poor and resulted in him giving the ball away needlessly.
      One chance in the second half also showcased a Ronaldo who is appearing to lack confidence.
      The 37-year-old would normally hit a chance such as the one he had in the 47th minute first time and it would normally end in a goal.
      However, he took an unnecessary extra touch and it cost him the glorious opportunity that had been worked for him as a defender got back just in time to take it off his feet.
      Manchester United will be somewhat concerned with this look.
      He hasn’t looked like himself all season, but you can still tell the hunger and determination is there to succeed.
      Qatar will likely be his final World Cup appearance, and he will be desperate to go out with a bang.
      Prem player watch
      In terms of Premier League stars in action tonight, most looked very good.
      Rodri had a good game at the base of Spain’s midfield and when he was asked to move into the back four following the introduction of Busquets at half-time.
      Cancelo also looked strong at right-back for Portugal, but this system doesn’t allow him to shine as much as he does at Man City.
      Ruben Dias was also generally solid, with not a whole lot to mention on him apart from questioning where he was for the goal.
      Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota both played well and also combined very well together.
      Silva was very quiet tonight, he was tidy but never got into his groove.
      So what’s next after tonight?
      Well with the Nations League group stage now concluded, club football can now return.
      But that will only be until November when the biggest football tournament in the world gets underway.
      The fruits of their labour tonight will be felt next year when the Nations League semi-finals and finals are played.
      Spain has joined Croatia, Italy and Holland in the final four, and they will be hoping to go one better than last year when they lost in the final to France.
      The key man for Spain? A kid from Pamplona
      Nico Williams has just showed the world a glimpse into a bright future.
      Prior to his introduction, Spain looked toothless, will lots of possession but no cutting edge or runners beyond.
      With his performance tonight the 20-year-old might have just muscled his way into the World Cup squad.
      His directness caused Portugal no end of problems as he popped up everywhere across the attack.
      It was his smart header back across goal which allowed Morata to send Spain into the final four of the Nations League.
      The winning duo
      Credit: https://twitter.com/TheEuropeanLad/status/1574859416674963472?s=20&t=Iinr11A6gIuWB5Dh8oNtOQ
      FULL-TIME: SPAIN ARE THROUGH TO THE FINALS
      The inaugural Nations League champions are out after Alvaro Morata’s late finish gifted Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal.
      Portugal 0-1 Spain
      90+4. Portugal relentlessly pressing but are also being sloppy on the ball.
      They need more quality immediately if they are to salvage their Nations League campaign.
      A minute to go of five added on now.
      Portugal 0-1 Spain
      90. ANOTHER HUGE CHANCE FOR RONALDO
      The ball is played in behind the Spanish defence where Ronaldo runs onto the ball at a tight angle.
      He fires a shot at goal but Simon is able to save with his feet just about.
      If this result holds it will be the first time Spain have won a competitive game in the country in 88 years.
      Morata with a poachers finish
      88. Spain finally pick open the lock after a beautiful pass is played towards the far post where Williams is.
      The 20-year-old then heads the ball back across with a perfectly weighted header for Morata who was left unmarked in the middle.
      Portugal 0-1 Spain
      GOALLLLL
      SPAIN GET THE GOAL THEY NEED
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      87. Spain attacks just keep coming and coming at the moment but they are all being repelled by the stoic Portuguese defence.
      It seems as if Williams -if anyone could be the key to unlocking the chest here.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      84. Spain have looked largely toothless tonight, but Williams just gave a glimpse of his potential future.
      He got the ball and was immediately positive, cutting inside from the right wing and taking a shot at goal.
      Williams then gets the ball in a dangerous area again but has no support as he cuts the ball into the corridor of uncertainty.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      78. Jota now makes way for Leao.
      12 minutes to go with Spain currently having the lion’s share of the ball in the last few minutes.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      73. Portugal make their first change.
      Joao Mario comes on for Silva, who has been good when on the ball but largely anonymous tonight.
      Spain also bring on Nico Williams – Inaki’s younger brother – for Torres.
      It’s just his second-ever cap for La Furia Roja.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      72. Morata and Ronaldo with decent chances.
      Spain work the ball well and the ball goes through to Morata on the left side, but his shot is straight at the goalkeeper.
      Portugal then opens Spain up well and the ball is played to Ronaldo inside the area for a one-on-one.
      But his touch lets him down again and a defender gets back just before he takes on the shot.
      He’s missing his usual sharpness tonight.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      69. HOW DID THAT NOT GO IN.
      A free-kick is whipped into the far post by Portugal.
      All the Spanish defenders miss it and Pereira finds Fernandes with room in the area.
      He hits a shot towards the far post but Carvajal is there to block it, though it goes skimming off his leg over the bar as opposed to away.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      65. Mendes take a bow. That was beautiful.
      Mendes gets the ball from Pino and then dribbles past the winger, he then jinks between a trio of defenders on the left flank to get into the Spain half
      Unfortunately, he decides to pass back instead of continuing his run and the attack dies out.
      This game needs an injection of magic just like that, and in fairness, Mendes could be the man to provide it.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      60. Luis Enrique rolling the dice with a trio of changes.
      Sarabia, Torres and Koke all off in favour of three teenagers.
      Pedri, Gavi and Pino all come on to try and force a goal.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      60. Luis Enrique rolling the dice with a trio of changes.
      Sarabia, Torres and Koke all off in favour of three teenagers.
      Pedri, Gavi and Pino all come on to try and force a goal.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      57. Game’s tempo has slowed thus far.
      Both teams likely just testing each other before really going for it.
      Soler did just fire a shot miles over for Spain though.
      To be fair the shot might well have landed in Spain.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      47. RONALDO HUGE CHANCE.
      Portugal are off to a flyer this half as Ronaldo almost gives the lead.
      Santos’ side work the ball well down the left and Ronaldo gets a shot away from close range after Jota slips him in, but Simon is equal to it to keep the score level.
      Portugal 0-0 Spain
      46. Silva is given a card inside a minute.
      It perhaps a bit harsh considering he only extended it to push off the pressing Gaya, but after hitting him in the face there wasn’t a lot he could do.
      Half-time changes.
      Veteran Sergio Busquets has come on for the carded Guillamon.
      No changes for Portugal just yet.
      Back underway now.
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      Scotland book Euro 2024 play-off and secure Nations League promotion with point against Ukraine

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      THE heavens opened as the rain lashed down on crisis-hit Scotland.But Steve Clarke didn’t just go for any old Port in a storm.
      The Scotland team to face Ukraine tonightCredit: Getty
      In Krawców last night his sick and weary squad did him and the country proud.
      No-one moreso than surprise stand-in stopper Ryan Porteous.
      The rookie Hibs centre-back was handed his international debut in a potentially hazardous Nation League crunch with Ukraine.
      But the 23 year-old stood up to everything thrown at him throughout a sensational backs-to-the-wall performance.

      It was an all or nothing night for Scotland with so much at stake.
      Top spot in the group was up for grabs along with promotion to section A as well as second pot for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.
      And of course, a back-up play-off to get tucked away just in case.
      ‘No Scotland no party,’ belted out the Tartan Army as they celebrated after the final whistle with the shattered Scotland players applauding them back.
      Most read in Football
      This result was all about guts and determination not to be beaten.
      About digging deep against a tough Ukraine side and simply refusing to lose.
      And justification for Clarke when it came to his team line-up.
      Before kick-off Porteous was the name that leapt off the Scotland team-sheet.
      What a night for the Hibs defender to be thrown in at the deep end.
      The 23 year-old had never been capped before last night.
      Just a week ago he was being branded a cheat by Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin.
      Yet Clarke was prepared to trust him.
      With Scotland needing a point from this final group game – and with key defenders missing – Porteous had the complete faith of the national team manager.
      Ryan Porteous challenging Artem DovbykCredit: Zuma Press
      It was a huge call to make.
      The big man was in the original squad but the smart money seemed to be on Declan Gallagher partnering Jack Hendry at the back.
      As one of the heroes of Belgrade – when Scotland qualified for the last Euros by knocking out Serbia in their own back yard – the St Mirren centre-back had the experience for a night like this. 
      It looked like that’s why he was drafted into the group as a late call-up.
      But no. Clarke saw something in Porteous that meant he was to play.
      It was likely down to his pace and ability to deal with the quick-footed threat of the Ukrainians.
      Whatever it was, Porteous was bursting with pride as he stood belting out the national anthem ahead of kick-off.
      It was clear to see what being picked for his country meant to him and his incredible performance in the night did himself and his family proud.

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      Clarke’s decision to play Ryan Jack beside Callum McGregor in the middle of the park was much more predictable.
      With Scott McTominay suspended, it made sense to go with the hugely experienced Rangers midfielder.
      But opting to take Ryan Christie out of the line-up and draft in Kenny McLean was a surprise.
      It was maybe just asking too much of the former Celtic star to play his third game in a week.
      Clarke was mindful of maintaining the energy levels and McLean’s robustness was also key against an aggressive Ukraine outfit.
      It wasn’t by accident that Oleksandr Petrakov’s side had three men booked inside the first-half hour.
      Mykhailo Mudryk, Andriy Yarmelenko and Danylo Ihnatenko could have absolutely no complaints either as they rattled into challenges.
      It was a theme of the first-half with Scotland having to stand up to some hefty tackles.
      In terms of chances to score, Clarke’s had some big moments in that 45 minutes.
      Stuart Armstrong celebrates resultCredit: Reuters
      Che Adams could have hit the net inside the first few seconds with Jack firing another opportunity over the top.
      There was also the moment the Greek referee awarded Scotland a penalty in 24 minutes – only for VAR to point out that the ball struck Taras Stepanenko on the head, and not the arm, as the official first thought.
      Ukraine will feel they should have scored as least once themselves, though.
      Yarmalenko wasted great set-up play from £30m-rated Newcastle target Mudryk by blasting over.
      Craig Gordon then denied the striker with a superb save after be ran through one-on-one with the Hearts No1.
      The way Ukraine were finding gaps in midfield would have been worrying for Clarke at the break.
      Mudryk was a major threat whenever he got on the ball too with Aaron Hickey being tested to the limit.
      The Shakhtar Donetsk attacker was next to bring out a top class save from Gordon right at the start of the second half.
      By the hour mark the outcome was hanging in the balance with most Scotland supporters likely to have been watching the action through the cracks of their fingers.
      Ukraine just needed one goal to turn everything in their favour and with each passing minute they seemed to be more and more likely to get it.
      Clarke resisted the temptation to make any changes until the 70th minute when he threw on Christie, Stuart Armstrong and Stephen Kingsley for Ryan Fraser,  Greg Taylor and Jack.
      It was a much needed injection of energy for the final 20 minutes.
      The last few minutes were anxious and nervy but with Porteous careering into one final penalty-box challenge Ukraine had nothing left to give.
      And Scotland got the result they deserved.

      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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      Oleksandr Usyk spotted at Ukraine vs Scotland as heavyweight champion supports country in Nations League clash

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      OLEDSANDR USYK was spotted at tonight’s Nations League clash between Ukraine and Scotland.Unfortunately he wasn’t there to support Steve Clarke’s side though as the world heavyweight champion cheered on his homeland Ukraine in their final fixture in the group.
      Oleksandr Usyk spotted in KrakowCredit: SNS
      He was seen proudly singing the national anthem before the match kicked off as he held his nation’s flag behind his head.
      Usyk is widely regarded as one of the greatest Ukrainian boxers of all time.
      He is a world champion in two weight classes, having held the unified WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles since 2021, The Ring magazine heavyweight title since 2022, and the undisputed cruiserweight title from 2018 to 2019.
      The undefeated heavyweight extended his streak to 20 victories after overcoming Anthony Joshua for the second consecutive time last month in Saudi Arabia.
      And now he is enjoying some time off as he takes in tonight’s Nations League fixture in Poland.
      Aside from boxing he is a big football fan.
      In another world he could have became a footballer instead of opting for the gloves as he even made his professional football debut for Ukrainian second-tier side FC Polissya earlier this year before taking on AJ in the rematch fight.
      His boxing career may be coming to an end as well as the champ revealed this month that he will retire in the near future but plans to fight Tyson Fury and Canelo Alvarev first.
      Most read in Sport
      He said: “I can have three more fights at the very most.
      “It is the most realistic to be in my top form. With Fury, Canelo and a farewell fight at Olympiyskiy.
      “With Canelo he said that he wanted to fight me. It would be a freak fight just for the sake of earning money.
      “I only need to beat Fury and then it is time to retire for me. The unification of all the belts is much more important than just a fight or another defence.
      “I want to outbox Fury and I don’t want to work that much just for another defence. There is much more that I can achieve.”
      While he’s admired across the globe for his skill and personality, you can guarantee most, if not all, of Scotland will be hoping he goes home unhappy once the final whistle goes in Krakow this evening.

      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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      Why does Cristiano Ronaldo have a black eye?

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is featuring for Portugal against Spain tonight in a crunch Nations League tie.But you may be wondering why CR7 is sporting a rather nasty looking black eye…
      Ronaldo suffered a horror collision with goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik to leave him a bloody mess
      Ronaldo played on with a bloody cut on his noseCredit: Getty
      Why does Cristiano Ronaldo have a black eye?
      Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in a sickening collision during Portugal’s 4-0 win over Czech Republic at the weekend.
      The 37-year-old was left a bloody mess after being clattered by goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik during their Nations League fixture on Saturday.
      Read more on Ronaldo
      Ronaldo jumped up to challenge for the ball in the 12th minute at the Sinobo Stadium in Prague as keeper Vaclik went to claim it.
      It resulted in Vaclik’s arms smashing into the Manchester United star’s face, which left him sprawled across the floor as medics rushed to his aid.
      He was eventually able to return to the pitch after Portugal’s physios managed to stem the flow of blood.
      Which has now turned into a nasty black eye
      What time does Portugal vs Spain kick off?

      Portugal vs Spain is on Tuesday, September 27.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time – same time locally.
      Estadio Municipal de Braga in Braga, Portugal is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host around 30,286 fans.
      Ricardo Horta’s 82nd minute strike ensured Portugal held Spain to a 1-1 draw in June this year.

      What live stream and TV channel is Portugal vs Spain on?

      Portugal vs Spain will be broadcasted LIVE on Box Nation in the UK which is part of the Premier Sports pack.
      Build up is scheduled to commence from 7:35pm UK time – 10 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscription holders of Premier Sports can also stream entire action live through the Premier Sports website or Premier Sports Player app.

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      Portugal vs Spain: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time and team news for TONIGHT’S Nations League clash

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      ALL eyes will be on Portugal vs Spain tonight when they go toe-to-toe in the standout Nations League fixture of Group A2.Cristiano Ronaldo captained his country to the first ever Nations League triumph in 2019.
      Portugal were the very first winners of the Nations League in 2019Credit: Getty
      And the Manchester United legend will be eager to do it once more despite being off the pace this season at club level.
      However, Luis Enrique’s men have unfinished business with this tournament having marginally lost in the 2021 final to France.
      But Spain have to navigate their way past their Iberian rivals first, which is an encounter that has ended as a draw on the past four occasions.
      What time does Portugal vs Spain kick off?

      Portugal roll out the red carpet for Spain on Tuesday, September 27.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time – same time locally.
      Estadio Municipal de Braga in Braga, Portugal is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host around 30,286 fans.
      Ricardo Horta’s 82nd minute strike ensured Portugal held Spain to a 1-1 draw in June this year.

      Read More on Nations League
      What TV channel is Portugal vs Spain on and can I live stream it?

      Portugal vs Spain will be broadcasted LIVE on Box Nation in the UK which is part of the Premier Sports pack.
      Build up is scheduled to commence from 7:35pm UK time – 10 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscription holders of Premier Sports can also stream entire action live through the Premier Sports website or Premier Sports Player app.

      Team news
      Cristiano Ronaldo has been selected for Portugal despite only scoring one goal in nine matches this season.
      While the Manchester United’s former colleague Sergio Ramos is left out of the Spain side for the second consecutive time.
      Sergio Ramos hasn’t figured for Spain since 2021Credit: Reuters
      Portugal’s full squad for Nations League fixtures:
      Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves), Rui Patricio (Roma).
      Most read in Football
      Defenders: Danilo Pereira (PSG), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Joao Cancelo (Manchester United), Tiago Djalo (Lille), Pepe (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund).
      Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Ruben Neves (Wolves), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Mario (Benfica), Matheus Nunes (Wolves), Vitinha (PSG), William Carvalho (Real Betis).
      Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Pedro Neto (Wolves), Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid), Rafa Silva (Benfica), Ricardo Horta (Braga), Rafael Leao (AC Milan).
      Spain’s full squad for Nations League fixtures:
      Goalkeepers: Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao), Robert Sánchez (Brighton), David Raya (Brentford)
      Defenders: Pau Torres (Villarreal), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), José Gayà (Valencia), Hugo Guillamón (Valencia), Diego Llorente (Leeds), Eric García (Barcelona), César Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
      Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodri Hernández (Manchester City), Pedri González (Barcelona), Koke Resurrección (Atlético Madrid), Gavi Páez (Barcelona), Carlos Soler (Paris Saint-Germain), Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid)
      Forwards: Pablo Sarabia (Paris Saint-Germain), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Álvaro Morata (Atlético Madrid), Borja Iglesias (Real Betis), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Ferran Torres (Barcelona) More

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      Watch as Hungary stars pull pints and serve fans from behind bar after Nations League defeat to Italy

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      HUNGARY’S football stars pulled pints and served fans following their Nations League game against Italy. Adam Szalai, Balazs Dzsudzsak and Dominik Szoboszlai were recorded behind the bar in a pub in Budapest serving drinks to fans – before Andras Schafer also joined them.
      The group of Hungary football stars enter the pub after the gameCredit: https://twitter.com/benbocsak/status/1574687907222147072?s=46&t=WNlTB9-Z5byxkjrQZ2Pnfw
      Ádám Szalai, Balázs Dzsudzsák and Dominik Szoboszlai were pictured in the videoCredit: https://twitter.com/benbocsak/status/1574687907222147072?s=46&t=WNlTB9-Z5byxkjrQZ2Pnfw
      Szoboszlai serves a pint to a waiting customerCredit: https://twitter.com/benbocsak/status/1574687907222147072?s=46&t=WNlTB9-Z5byxkjrQZ2Pnfw
      Andras Schafer then joined the gathering later onCredit: https://twitter.com/benbocsak/status/1574687907222147072?s=46&t=WNlTB9-Z5byxkjrQZ2Pnfw
      The gesture was met with jubilation from the waiting punters, who were smitten with the national team stars despite them being on the end of a 2-0 defeat to Italy earlier in the day.
      And fans online joined in with the praise.
      One user said: “I was there yesterday! The vibe was incredible.
      “We got a selfie with Szobo and Schafer poured me a beer! What a night!”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      A second user said: “This is so cool.”
      Another user added: “This is only possible in Hungary.
      “The players tap beer for the supporters in the city game after the game.”
      The video even got a response from Bundesliga side Union Berlin, who shared a photo of their midfielder Schafer with a tiny pint of beer on a plate, after he seemingly had an accident when he arrived at the pub.
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      Despite losing the game against Italy, Hungary distinguished themselves as one of the top teams in the top bracket of the Nations League.
      They finished one point shy of group toppers Italy, and claimed some big victories including a 4-0 win against England.
      Unfortunately, such antics will not be repeated at the World Cup as they finished fourth in Group I behind England, Poland and Albania.
      Following the Three Lions respective games against Italy and Germany, SunSport outlined who were the big winners and losers ahead of the World Cup. More

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      England squad’s five winners and losers from final games before World Cup as stars fight it out for ticket to Qatar 2022

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      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.
      England stars had their final chance to shine before the World Cup stars in NovemberCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate endured two more winless games but now has the final impression of his squad before the World CupCredit: PA
      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.
      Bukayo Saka, front, and Mason Mount, rear, shone brightly for England against GermanyCredit: Reuters
      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.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      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.
      Harry Maguire’s position in the England set up is looking more and more perilous by the dayCredit: Rex
      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. More

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      Gareth Southgate’s loyalty to his favourite England players now tested like never before

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      ENGLAND desperately needed something to light the fires of hope from their last match before the World Cup.With the Three Lions having gone over 450 minutes without a goal from open play and suffered the indignity of Nations League relegation, Gareth Southgate’s critics were louder than ever ahead of Germany’s visit to Wembley.
      And the howls of derision grew louder as Hansi Flick’s side, who have not been in the best form themselves this year, went 2-0 up in the 67th minute.
      But then England’s spark did arrive in the form of three goals in 12 minutes, a swarm of untethered football with an intent rarely seen in recent fixtures.
      First the wing-backs combined as Reece James assisted Luke Shaw, then the substitutes linked with the lively Bukayo Saka setting up Mason Mount’s sweet first-time strike.
      The hosts’ third goal came from the penalty spot and the inevitable right boot of Harry Kane, whose record of 51 goals in 75 games puts him among the most prolific goalscorers in international football.
      Optimistic England fans will be clinging onto the 12-minute salvo at Wembley for hope
      This injection of optimism, plunged into the heart of England fans like Mia Wallace’s adrenaline shot in Pulp Fiction, was countered by Kai Havertz’s opportunistic poke to make it 3-3.
      Still, the 12-minute blitz served as a reminder that so many of England’s attacking players are potential match-winners – it also ensured the Lightning Seeds, David Baddiel and Frank Skinner would receive their full allotment of royalties come winter.
      Southgate deserves credit for his substitutions on the night as the introduction of Mount and Saka undoubtedly added impetus but many supporters saw the three-goal surge as an example of what can be achieved when the team breaks free of the shackles imposed by the coach’s risk-adverse approach.
      “Set this team free Gareth” was the call from Ian Wright on Twitter, a sentiment echoed by Gary Lineker and swathes of fans up and down the country.
      Supporters were generally happy to tolerate defensive, structured tactics when results were positive – let’s not forget a double pivot of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips came within a couple of penalties of anchoring England’s first major trophy since 1966.
      However, patience has evaporated rapidly with England now without a win in six, disastrous preparation for a World Cup.
      Southgate has been loyal to Maguire but sometimes change is needed
      Throughout the Nations League campaign, England’s passing has been ponderous and their movement snail-slow.
      Fatigue may be a factor but many players from other nations have endured similarly demanding workloads in the last year.
      There’s no escaping the awkward fact that some individuals have looked a pale imitation of themselves on the international stage, Phil Foden being the most prominent example.
      The 22-year-old is yet to truly light up an England game in the same manner he has done for Man City multiple times since establishing himself as a first team regular.
      He already has three goals and two assists at club level this term but against Italy and Germany he looked as if he could play for hours without a substantial flourish in the final third.
      The overriding feeling is that Saka, recently voted England’s Player of the Year, is the superior option to start on the right wing (not left wing-back) against Iran come November 21st.
      Foden has been unable to translate his club form to the international stage
      Southgate’s biggest headache stems from centre-back where his loyalty to one of his favourite players will now be tested like never before.
      Let’s be clear, Harry Maguire has generally performed very well for England, even when his club form has been comical.
      That being said, last night’s second half was a horror show.
      The Man United defender gave the ball away just prior to his foul on Jamal Musiala in the box, a stonewall penalty eventually awarded upon VAR review.
      And it was Maguire who was initially dispossessed in the build-up to Die Mannschaft’s second goal after a frustratingly hesitant dribble deep in German territory.
      Southgate has remained loyal to Maguire on the basis that his performances for England have been significantly better than those witnessed at Old Trafford in recent times but last night’s error-strewn showing underlined the fear that many fans have, that his mistakes will directly lead to elimination at a major tournament.
      With John Stones departing prematurely with what looked like a hamstring injury, centre-back is now a huge area of concern for the Three Lions, which makes it even more curious that Fikayo Tomori, who has been consistently excellent for reigning Serie A champions AC Milan, wasn’t given a single minute to prove his worth this international break.
      Eric Dier’s penalty-box defending should have earned him a seat on the plane to Qatar but Southgate’s comments around the matter suggests Maguire will start once the tournament is underway, a significant risk.
      Maguire was at fault for two of Germany’s goals last night
      Despite being absent through injury, last night was a reassuring one for Jordan Pickford, one of Southgate’s other favourites, as Nick Pope looked uncertain playing out from the back before dropping a clanger for Germany’s late equaliser.
      Like Maguire, the Everton goalkeeper has generally played very well for England even when he’s simultaneously looked vulnerable at club level, particularly in major tournaments.
      Given that Pickford started the season in great form for the Toffees before he was sidelined, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be No1 in Qatar.
      Phillips has also been something of a teacher’s pet under Southgate and another player who justified his repeated selection with an impressive Euro 2020 campaign.
      However, the development of Jude Bellingham, who was named Player of the Match against Germany, means it will be extremely difficult for the Man City midfielder to reclaim his place, especially with injury concerns and reduced game time at club level having switched Elland Road for the Etihad in the summer.
      Surely Bellingham is a guaranteed starter? The 19-year-old already looks nailed on for 100 caps.
      Bellingham looks set to be a key player for England for years to come
      The overriding question Southgate will have to answer is whether, at this late juncture, it’s best to move away from the pragmatic approach that has undeniably improved England’s fortunes in recent years?
      Should he ditch his most-trusted lieutenants and let England off the leash or should he keep trying to grind his way to glory?
      Much of what Southgate has implemented should be maintained, most importantly the drastically improved sense of camaraderie, something the Golden Generation of 2002 – 2006 critically lacked according to the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville and Steven Gerrard.
      But the 52-year-old’s reluctance to compromise some of his tactical beliefs may prove fatal.
      To abandon one approach in favour of another and implement the change during the first game of a World Cup feels extremely rash – it would mean binning years of preparation and training ground rehearsals.
      However, if England fail in Qatar playing cautious football and are undone by errors from out-of-form players who perhaps shouldn’t even be in the squad, then it will be a massive opportunity squandered, one that would probably cost Southgate his job.
      What might sway the once-beloved gaffer’s mind is the feeling that most right-minded fans wouldn’t mind if England were eliminated in the knockout stages so long as the team was picked on merit and the structure allowed the attacking players freedom to express themselves.
      No reasonable Englishman expects World Cup glory, but to fade out of one with a whimper is inexcusable.

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