England have suffered yet another defeat, as the three lions were relegated from their Nations League group, following a narrow defeat away to the European champions Italy.
Article by Callum Moseley (@CallumMosMedia) On Twitter
England extended their winless run to five matches, after losing one nil at the San Siro stadium. The result confirms that Gareth Southgate's side have been relegated from their respected Nations League group and look completely out of form, with just one match to go before their opening game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Iran.
As for Roberto Mancini's side, they return to winning aways, after losing heavily in Germany and a goalless draw in the reverse fixture at Wembley Stadium. The goal arrived after 68 minutes, when Giacomo Raspadori cut inside, before bending an excellent effort into the far corner past stand-in keeper Nick Pope.
This is the first time England have gone five matches without a win since 2014. The three lions have also, now gone over 420 minutes since they last scored a goal directly from open play, something which simply isn't good enough. Especially given we have just one last match against Germany to go before our first World Cup match.
Starting Eleven
England: Nick Pope (GK) ; Reece James, Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, Eric Dier, Bukayo Saka ; Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham ; Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling ; Harry Kane (5-2-2-1)
Italy: Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) ; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Rafael Toloi, Leonardo Bonucci, Francesco Acebri, Federico Dimarco ; Nicolo Barella, Jorginho, Bryan Cristante ; Gianluca Scamacca, Giacomo Raspadori (5-3-2)
First Half
In truth, this Nations League match was a slow burner throughout the match. The first three minutes were dominated by niggling fouls from both sides. Italy had the games opening chance after just four minutes when Bryan Cristante set-up Giacomo Raspadori but his effort was blocked by England's Kyle Walker.
West Ham United's Gianluca Scamacca was next to try his luck after he got on the end of a cross but his effort was saved comfortably by Jordan Pickford. The game then grew very scrappy in both ends. Italy dominated both possession and corners in the first thirty minutes and Gareth Southgate's men were struggling to get out of first gear.
It took England 35 minutes to have their first opportunity of the game. Following a quickly worked free-kick, Phil Foden's cross, found Harry Kane but his header was straight at the goalkeeper. Reece James, Jude Bellingham and Eric Dier were all next to try their luck as the visitors began to grow in confidence but still looked like a side, who were unlikely to score.
The final opportunity of the first-half, fell to England striker Harry Kane, who's curling effort flew over the crossbar. An accurate representation of how disappointing the first half was.
Half Time: Italy 0-0 England
Second Half
I think it's fair to say England looked the stronger of the two sides, in the period shortly after the break. Raheem Sterling caused Leonardo Bonucci problems, causing him to pick up the games opening yellow card. Reece James was back to try his luck for a second time in the match, but he dragged his effort wide of the target.
The game then settled down for the next fifteen minutes, until Jude Bellingham picked out Eric Dier but his header flew over the bar, with Gianluigi Donnarumma still yet to be challenged. The Italians swiftly got themselves back into the match with both Giovanni Di Lorenzo and substitute Wilfried Gnonto having opportunities either off target or blocked by covering English defenders.
After 68 minutes, Italy then took the lead in brilliant fashion. A long ball from the back by Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci found forward Giacomo Raspadori who cut inside, and belt an exquisite effort into the far corner, past Nick Pope who until that moment, hadn't really been tested.
England did put the pressure on Roberto Mancini's side late on, with star striker Harry Kane having two quick-fire efforts, both saved brilliantly by Donnarumma. Despite England's lack of ambition as it seemed, one player that can certainly hold their heads high, is youngster Jude Bellingham who constantly put the pressure on the Italian's but couldn't quite find that all important final touch. Declan Rice had the games final effort but even he couldn't find the back of the net as the three lions were forced to settle for a defeat.
Full Time: Italy 1-0 England
Post-Match Thoughts
In truth, Gareth Southgate should be left feeling a mixture of different thoughts after a disappointing display at the San Siro when it mattered. England played well in parts but simply didn't have the consistency or belief to see that performance through. There were also some strong individual performances on the night, especially Jude Bellingham who definitely placed himself in the mind of Southgate ahead of the World Cup. The issue for the three lions is simply, we don't look like scoring. Despite having 56% possession and 14 shots in the game, we never really looked like scoring, nor did we test Gianluigi Donnarumma properly which is very disappointing. Even the addition of Jack Grealish in the second-half, couldn't help Gareth Southgate's men. It's been over 420 minutes since the three lions, last scored a goal directly from open play, and with Monday's match against Germany being the final game before the world cup, England have massively got their work cut out, especially with the fan pressure, building up on manager Gareth Southgate.
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