ENGLAND’S preparations for the World Cup in Qatar are deteriorating.
Gareth Southgate’s side have now gone FIVE GAMES without a win after falling to European Champions Italy 1-0 in Milan on Friday night.
England hasn’t had such a dry spell since the late Graham Taylor was manager in 1992.
Not only have they forgotten how to win, but they can’t even score anymore, despite having England hero Harry Kane up front.
The Three Lions have not scored from open play in 450 MINUTES and have gone three games without a goal for the first time in 22 years.
The England fans booed them off the field at the San Siro, and according to a Sun Twitter poll, 83% of fans want him fired before the World Cup begins in 56 days.
Southgate’s team has been relegated from League A of the Nations League and will now face weaker opponents in 2024.
The World Cup, however, is the primary concern, with England’s first game against Iran scheduled for November 21.
Southgate is confronted with a desert storm of issues ahead of his trip to Qatar.
They have gone backwards since losing on penalties in the Euros finals a year ago.
England used a tried-and-true back five against Italy, with three centre-backs in Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, and Eric Dier.
This means fewer opportunities for creative players, which may explain England’s current goal drought.
Southgate is naturally cautious, so a formation change so close to the tournament is unlikely.
However, his desire to keep things tight at the back limits England’s offensive options. Despite having so many attacking options, they have not scored from open play in 450 minutes.
Gary Lineker slammed Southgate for benching Trent Alexander-Arnold against Italy, claiming he is England’s most creative player.
Several of Southgate’s key performers in recent tournaments have struggled this season at club level.
Harry Maguire, who has only made five appearances for Manchester United this season, is at the top of the list.
Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw are both out injured for Chelsea and Manchester United, respectively, so Bukayo Saka was pressed into service as a left wing-back against Italy.
Mason Mount’s form at Chelsea has plummeted, while Raheem Sterling is settling in after joining the club in the summer.
Kalvin Phillips hasn’t played much since joining Manchester City.
Southgate must decide which trusted players to keep and which to replace with better-suited players.
