Solving problems must please Gareth

CrEdIT to England. This wasn’t some inferior nation who they were expected to wallop at wembley. This was Belgium, top-ranked team in the world, and to do what they did is hugely encouraging for Gareth Southgate. Before half-time, there looked to be an alarming lack of balance and intensity to England’s play. There were three right backs on the pitch in Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle walker and Kieran Trippier, with none of them playing in positions that suited them. walker coped well in a back-three but AlexanderArnold does not carry the same threat as a wing back. Eric dier at the centre of the back three was questionable, too. romelu Lukaku is not known for his pace but he had the Spurs defender beaten when winning that penalty. Harry Maguire playing on dier’s left felt unusual, too. But the second half was different. Southgate didn’t change personnel, but he did change the way they were playing. England became more compact and cut off Belgium’s supply line to Lukaku, who in the first half must have made Manchester United regret letting him leave. Suddenly, England weren’t so easy to play through and they ended up securing a fine scalp. So credit to Southgate. The battle between Mason Mount and Jack Grealish for a slot in this team is interesting. you suspect Southgate views Mount as more trustworthy out of possession. Grealish looks like he could come in handy when they are struggling for joy up front. That will be an intriguing battle ahead of next summer. Not their best football but England won. It’s never a bad thing.