In their first match of the Nations League, the Three Lions were humiliated by Hungary, but they were able to rescue a point against Germany. As a result, they needed a win against Italy to keep their hopes alive of escaping relegation to League B.
England was held to a 0-0 draw by Italy on Saturday, dropping England to fourth place in their group after three games.
Gareth Southgate was well aware that he needed to play his best players in order to earn all three points, but he instead chose to play less talented players.
- Gareth Southgate was well aware that he needed goals, yet he chose Tammy Abraham over the more superior Harry Kane to start the game.
Leaving Kane on the bench, despite the fact that he is largely recognized as one of the best attackers in the world, was a disastrous miscalculation on his behalf.
- Southgate was aware that Jack Grealish has not been able to perform at his best since joining Manchester City from Aston Villa, but he should have started Bukayo Saka instead of Grealish in this match because Saka has been in far superior form throughout the season.
- In addition, he should have started Conor Gallagher instead of Mason Mount, who is prone to making mistakes. Gallagher would have been a better choice for assisting with the assault than Mason Mount.