Winless since last March and one step away from relegation to League B of the Nations League: the crisis in England has raised a storm of criticism on Gareth Southgate, whose honeymoon with the English press seems to be definitively over.
Despite the world semifinal in 2018, and last year's European final, lost against Roberto Mancini's Italy, the decline in recent months accused by the Three Lions has been stigmatized by critics, with accusations addressed above all to the technical commissioner.
Mainly responsible for the poor results: only two draws, albeit against Italy and Germany, in the Nations League, accompanied by two sensational defeats against Hungary.
Mediocre results that mercilessly photograph the current difficulties of England, which recently appeared distracted, tactically confused, technically regressed.
The last English victory now dates back to last March, 3-0 in the Ivory Coast, and yet - according to Jack Grealish, a Manchester City talent - the criticisms were "definitely excessive, even if you have to take them into account when you are English. I got my share too. "
However, the English Football Association continues to be deployed alongside the coach, with co-president Debbie Hewitt publicly confirming the utmost confidence in Southgate.
"A certain way of treating the national team is typical of this country - added Grealish -. Especially then for players like me, whose card has reached a certain valuation (100 million pounds, ed). I can't help it, it's part of the game, I just have to live with it. "
But the risk of finishing last in Group A3 really appears around the corner: "A real ignominy", according to the local press, which could only be avoided with two (unlikely) wins, Friday in Milan and in Germany next Monday, could avert .
But already on Friday, in case of a misstep at San Siro,
Certainly not the best way to prepare the worldwide expedition, which is now upon us.
