England put forward a terrible start to their 22/23 Nations League campaign by losing two out of their four matches, including a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Hungary. Gareth Southgate’s men are staring down the possibility of relegation from Group A3 after losing two of their games to Hungary home and away, increasing the pressure on the manager. Despite having led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the final of Euro 2020, where they were only beaten on penalties by Italy, Southgate has come under criticism from sections of the Three Lions supporters.
England have suffered their biggest home defeat since 1928.
No win in four games for Gareth Southgate, the first time since he was appointed manager. pic.twitter.com/t824CPUWNt
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 14, 2022
England was lacklustre in the Nations League and could enter the 2022 World Cup on a low note ahead of tough matches against Wales, the United States, and Iran. Even though their form has been an issue of late, Southgate’s men are currently backed in the football odds at 13/2 to win the World Cup, and only Brazil and France are considered a better bet to triumph in Qatar.
An element of the frustration of England’s fans could be the foresight that this could be their best chance to win the World Cup with the likes of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling at the peaks of their respective careers. Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, and Jordan Henderson will also be near the end of their cycle in the squad and this is a concern as all of these players were the spine of England’s side in the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020.
Walker and Henderson have been integral parts of the team, but also have that key characteristic of playing for winning teams that have been embedded into England’s ethos under Southgate. Kane is the world-class operator, while Sterling at his best is equally effective as he was in Euros. However, Henderson and Walker are arguably the beating heart of the team, and that is not easily replaced.
Past England teams have had plenty of talent at their disposal, but have been lacklustre when it mattered the most. The question of whether they cared or could rise to the occasion at major tournaments was always an issue. It has rarely been the case since with this group of players, and although the major title has eluded the Three Lions, they have effectively restored pride in the England national team.
Happy birthday, 2019 winner @JHenderson! 🎂#UCL pic.twitter.com/1om1BLM8KR
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 17, 2022
There are a number of talented players on the rise, but replacing the character provided by the senior players in the ranks will not be an easy challenge for Southgate. It puts a huge emphasis on success in Qatar as England’s time at the top might be fleeting. Italy ensured that they cashed in on the final days of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci at the back by beating England on penalties in the Euros.
The Three Lions have to have the same objective otherwise they may rue failing to get the most out of a talented group of players paired with the right attitude to succeed at the highest level of international football. The pressure is once again on an England team to live up to expectations.
