England suffered the ignominy of relegation from the Nations League’s top tier after a tepid defeat to Italy that raises further concern ahead of the winter World Cup.
Among the favourites to triumph in Qatar having reached the semi-finals four years ago and the Euro 2020 final, things have gone awry for Gareth Southgate’s side.
England failed to win any of their four June fixtures and produced a meek response to their 4-0 Molineux mauling against Hungary, with Giacomo Raspadori sealing Roberto Mancini’s Italy a 1-0 victory on Friday night.
Sportsmail’s Sami Mokbel rated the players.
England’s Harry Maguire did little to silence the critics with a nervy display on Friday night
ITALY (3-5-2)
Gianluigi Donnarumma – A calming influence for his team, particularly as England grew into the game. Two big saves from Kane. 7
Rafael Toloi – The Atalanta defender – but for a few worrying moments – dealt well with what England threw at him. Relatively unruffled. 6.5
Leonardo Bonucci – But for a few moments when he called on his experience to cope with England’s largely meek attack, the Italy hero cruised through this. Booked. 7
Francesco Acerbi – At 6ft 4ins, the giant central defender was at ease aerially. He looked less assured when faced with Sterling and Foden with the ball at their feet. 6.5
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – Took advantage of a couple of positional lapses from Saka, particularly in the opening 30 mins, but couldn’t make England pay. Booked. 6.5.
![Giacomo Raspadori capped an impressive display with the winner for Italy](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/09/23/22/62744143-0-image-a-6_1663966906931.jpg)
Giacomo Raspadori capped an impressive display with the winner for Italy
Bryan Cristante – An early challenge on Foden, which the Italian was lucky to escape a booking for, set the tone for Italy’s aggressive start. 6.5
Jorginho – Uncharacteristically sloppy in possession at times but the Chelsea man, for the most part, kept the ball moving in midfield. 6
Nicolo Barella – Uneconomical. Offered Italy’s rearguard protection and energy but offered little else. Misplaced too many passes. 5.5
Federico Dimarco – Offered a decent threat down the Italian’s right side but was far less diligent in tracking the wandering Foden. 6
Giacomo Raspadori – The 22-year-old attacker is a clear talent, but England’s back-three coped well with the Napoli man’s threat. Looks to have a bright future 7.5
Gianluca Scamacca – West Ham’s summer signing had the best of Italy’s first half opportunities but showed little composure in front of goal. 6.5
![England's player of the year Bukayo Saka was wasted in an unfamiliar left wing back role](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/09/23/21/62742827-0-image-a-4_1663963927927.jpg)
England’s player of the year Bukayo Saka was wasted in an unfamiliar left wing back role
Subs: Gnonto 6 (Scamacca 63); Pobega 6 (Barella 63); Gabbiadini (Raspadori 81); Felipe (Frattesi 89); Emerson (Jorginho 89)
Not used: Meret, Vicario, Zerbin, Grifo, Gabbiadini, Esposito, Bastoni.
Roberto Mancini: His Italian side are in transition and they looked exactly that – but even in this state they were good enough to condemn England to further misery. 7
ENGLAND (3-4-3)
Nick Pope – Looked decent in possession which will please Southgate and made some decent stops. No chance with Italy’s goal. 6.5
Kyle Walker – Offers more when used at right-back. Was largely comfortable at centre-back again, but couldn’t contain Raspadori for Italy’s goal. 5.5
Eric Dier – Back in the international fold and did his hopes of staying in the squad no harm despite the loss. One interception to deny Cristante particularly good. 6.5
Harry Maguire – His performance here will have done little to silence the growing calls for the Manchester United star to be dropped. 5.5
Reece James – The heir Walker’s throne on England’s right side still needs to show his teeth at this level – but will go to the very top. 6
![Jude Bellingham pushed his claims for a starting role in Qatar with a composed display](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/09/23/21/62742821-0-image-a-3_1663963903686.jpg)
Jude Bellingham pushed his claims for a starting role in Qatar with a composed display
Declan Rice – Like many of his team-mates, made a slow start to the game. He improved – but not enough to shake England out of their current malaise. 6
Jude Bellingham – One of the positives out of a tough night for England. Has to start in Qatar. Nothing fazes the kid – has absolutely everything in his locker. 7
Bukayo Saka – Did a job for England in the left-wing back role but his talents are wasted in the unfamiliar role. 5.5
Raheem Sterling – The Italians were clearly petrified of the Chelsea attacker’s pace and skill but this was an off night. Remains one of England’s most important players. 5.5
Harry Kane – Probably had England’s two best chances but is being starved of decent service as England struggle for creativity. 5.5
Phil Foden – His movement caused Italy problems, particularly at the end of the first-half. Looked the England player most likely to unlock the door. 6.5
![Pressure is mounting on boss Gareth Southgate after his team failed to score again](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/09/23/22/62744205-0-image-a-7_1663967058643.jpg)
Pressure is mounting on boss Gareth Southgate after his team failed to score again
Subs: Grealish (Saka 72); Shaw (Walker 72)
Subs not used: Ramsdale, Henderson, Trippier, Coady, Ward-Prowse, Tomori, Mount, Bowen, Alexander-Arnold, Abraham.
Gareth Southgate: His team have now gone over 400 minutes without scoring a goal from open play – and lost…again. It’s not looking good. 5
Referee: Jesus Manzano (SPA) – A bit over eager with the whistle at times. But had full contour of the game. 6.5
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