England fight for survival
ʂ England face a formidable task to survive the Nations League group phase while at the same time trying to get their act together before the World Cup, with Gareth Southgate’s team needing to beat both Italy and Germany – and with TAB adding R500,000 to
England’s fortunes have diminished dramatically since last year’s European Championship final at Wembley, where Italy pipped them on penalties.
They went nine games unbeaten post the final in July 2021 but in June began their Nations League campaign with two defeats and two draws.
The double loss to Hungary was embarrassing, particularly the 0-4 thumping at Wolverhampton’s Molineux Stadium which was the heaviest home defeat since 1928 and led to caustic
chants from England fans towards their manager Gareth Southgate of “you don’t know what you’re doing”.
It has left the English bottom of their group and facing relegation
if they do not win their last two matches, starting tonight against the Italians in Milan.
It is also vital in terms of English preparations for the World Cup, where they face Iran, Wales and the United States in the group phase.
Southgate needs performances and results to restore the feelgood factor that has been a hallmark of his tenure.
Italy are not going to the World Cup and while Nations League success is no substitute, they will be keen to make their mark.
Roberto Mancini has stayed on as coach despite the failure but is taking the team through a period of transition.
Mancini’s side may not have the superstars of the past but boasts a highly capable midfield and a number of exciting young forwards that could get a run out tonight.
Germany host Hungary at the same time in the other League A Group Three game in Leipzig and this is a banker bet, even if the Germans have been hit with yet another COVID-19 crisis.
They will be without captain Manuel Neuer and Leon Goretzka for their upcoming Nations League double-header that includes a trip to England on Monday.
The absence of the influential Neuer and midfield regular Goretzka, who boast 157 international caps between them, will come as a significant blow to Germany boss Hansi Flick.
Germany are unbeaten in their 13 matches since former Bayern boss Flick succeeded the longserving Joachim Low after Euro 2020, where they were ousted by England in the last-16.
Spain are another hot tip at home to struggling Switzerland in Zaragoza tomorrow night. Spain lead Portugal by a point in their group and could open up a bigger advantage if Portugal fail to win at the Czech Republic at the same time.