This is not a time for panicking, for assailing Gareth Southgate and his players with “heroes to zeroes” headlines, as they have done so well over the past two years, raising hopes and expectations. This is not even a wake-up call, as concerns over the defending and midfield balance have been constantly expressed. It is simply deeply frustrating that all the attacking promise embodied by the prolific Harry Kane is again being undermined by the abject nature of much of England’s defending. It is hardly a revelation that Michael Keane, full of honest endeavour but also occasional mistakes in positioning and distribution, is not the future alongside Harry Maguire at centre back; the more mobile Joe Gomez is (or a John Stones with confidence and…

Source: The Times October 11, 2019 21:11 UTC