sport news MARTIN SAMUEL: England's players are exhausted and showed it by being second ... trends now
In any other World Cup year, England would be in tournament mode by now. Limping, as usual, towards that finishing line.
Making do without key individuals, deciding on the odd battlefield promotion, mixing and matching, juggling and patching.
It is only now, with a bit of distance between the end of the season, and the competition proper that we can see how ruinous this schedule is for English chances.
It is only now that we can see how ruinous this schedule is for English chances
Harry Kane earned a draw from the penalty spot late in the game, but these matches are too far
And yet on we plough. Harry Kane earned a draw from the penalty spot late in the game, so all's well but end's well. But these are matches too far.
The Nations League, a mini summer tournament, at the end of a season that everyone agrees has taken a greater toll than almost any other. The compression of games as a result of covid, the intensity of the fixture list. England are staggering to a holiday destination somewhere, but not yet: two further games remain.
Fans hate excuses like this, but it's the truth. There was barely a player in England's starting line-up who was not engaged deep into the season: in title battles, in European campaigns, in fights against relegation or for four qualification. And then we wonder why it takes a toll.
Kalvin Phillips did not make it through the opening 15 minutes. Raheem Sterling and Kieran Tripper fought a constant battle to stay on the pitch. It is hardly a surprise that Jack Grealish, underused by Manchester City, impressed as a late substitute.
Manchester City star Raheem Sterling fought a constant battle to stay on the pitch
Other domestic competitions in Europe are easier than the Premier League. The Bundesliga, La Liga were won at a canter. We cannot boast proudly of the fierce competition at home, and not expect it to come at a price on nights like this.
There is always a price, invariably paid in June. In lieu of a tournament, four unnecessary Nations League games invade what should be a time for rest and recuperation. Here we are. Sluggish and mediocre against Hungary, England were second best in Munich, despite a creditable draw.
Germany were smarter in midfield, their press put pressure on England and left them uncomfortable with several near misses preceding the inevitable second-half lead through Jonas Hoffman. It just looks too much.
If the World Cup was about to start now, only silly money would go on England. It was Michel Platini who characterised English players as lions in winter, lambs in the summer. Precious little has changed, despite greater impact in their last two tournaments.
