Nations League: England relegated to the second division after a humiliating defeat to Italy

Italy might be the European champions but has failed to make it to the World Cup for two successive editions. And England, despite the undoubted progress they have made under Southgate, has looked anything but a top side in this edition of the Nations League. 

So poor was their form coming into this match that a loss would relegate them t the second tier of the Nations League. And thanks to Giacomo Raspadori’s 68th-minute winner, that is precisely what happened. 

England has not beaten Italy away since 1961, perhaps presenting the best opportunity for the Three Lions to break that streak. 

After all, as mentioned before, Italy is dealing with its issues. The side remains a work in progress, despite boasting some genuine world-class and good upcoming talent. 

And fans aren’t all that invested in the national team currently; the iconic San Siro had plenty of empty seats for this particular clash of the giants. 

Yet, for England, it remained more of the same. Their game in possession was often dull and unimaginative; they kept the ball well but created little of note. 

Meanwhile, Italy, who were content to cede possession and wait for their chances, looked the likelier side to score whenever they did go forward. 

It helped that they pressed England high up the pitch and forced their shaky center-backs into playing a few unnecessary passes. 

And when they got the chance, they played the ball well either through the wings or by exploiting the space up the channels. 

It is worth noting that the players they had at their disposal weren’t the issue for England; they lacked a coherent attacking game plan. 

England started with a back three that featured Reece James at right wing-back and Bukayo Saka at left wing-back. Yet despite that, the defense looked wobbly under pressure. 

And when Raspadori scored what turned out to be the winner, England manager Gareth Southgate called upon the likes of Luke Shaw and Jack Grealish from the bench. 

It made little difference, as Italy had the better shots even after they scored. England could not find a way through the Italian defense, who had an easy night out. 

It was of little surprise then that Southgate got an absolute earful from the away fans after the final whistle. Fans have seen no cause for enthusiasm, and the buck stops with the manager. 

It’s also worth noting that England’s slump is the worst of times. Only one other Nations League fixture is left – against mighty Germany. And then it’s off to Qatar for the World Cup. 

At this point, it is clear that Southgate and England will need a miracle to see an upturn in fortunes before the grand event.