sport news Gareth Southgate and England must address SIX problem areas if they are to have ... trends now
After a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Italy at the San Siro on Friday night, belief in England's prospects at the Qatar World Cup has rarely been lower.
And having gone five successive games without a win, the Three Lions' last chance of a positive result ahead of the tournament is a grudge match clash against Germany on Monday night.
But even if the side were to win at Wembley, Gareth Southgate's side have several issues that they will need to address if they are to live up to the pre-tournament expectations that see them regarded as one of the favourites.
Gareth Southgate and England have six problem areas they need to address ahead of Qatar
England have one game left on Monday night before they begin their World Cup campaign against Iran and Gareth Southgate still doesn’t know his strongest starting XI. Most of the positions are still up for grabs.
England have been way too cautious recently and against Germany they need to play without fear. They aren’t going to sack Southgate — that would just be stupid on the eve of the World Cup and he’s got enough credit in the bank. Southgate is a ‘horses for courses’ man and I doubt he’ll change his approach, so now more than ever he needs full faith in his style and clarity with his system.
Monday night isn’t all about the result, even though a win would calm the nerves. It’s about being dominant, assured and composed and bringing back confidence. Right now there’s not a person in the country who thinks England can win the World Cup.
Southgate still has not worked out his best starting line-up with only one game left to play
Friday night was a tough watch. At times, I found myself wanting to switch over to Channel 5. We all know those players can play and we’ve seen them perform time and again but they desperately need a performance in England colours.
Bar a few moments once Italy went ahead, there was a real lack of belief in their play. Apart from Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, none of them were really showing for the ball. It all felt a bit passive.
The stat of one goal in their last five games is hugely worrying. Against Germany they’ve got to go out there with a ‘f*** it, it can’t get any worse’ mindset. Because at the moment, it’s hard to watch. With Foden, Bellingham and Raheem Sterling and the quality they have, all it takes is a moment to unlock that confidence.
Jude Bellingham was one of the only England players looking to receive the ball on Friday
Only Harry Kane has more contributions since 2021-22 began than James Maddison
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