An experimental England side failed to break down a stubborn Italy as they played out a goalless draw at Molineux in their Nations League clash on June 11.
Gareth Southgate made seven changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Germany in Munich. However, many of the players that were given a chance failed to impress during a drab behind-closed-doors encounter in Wolverhampton.
Raheem Sterling had the best chance of the clash as he had an open goal in the second-half, but blazed his effort high over the bar. England continued their winless run in this season's Nations League.
Harry Kane's penalty against Germany was the Three Lions' only goal of the summer so far, as they continue their preparations for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
One England player who yet again failed to impress was 23-year-old playmaker Mason Mount, who passed up a golden one-on-one opportunity in the first half.
While the Chelsea star had an excellent campaign for the Blues, many have criticised Mount's performances for his country. He has now gone 15 international games without scoring a goal.
Following the bore draw with Italy, fans took to Twitter to criticise the player for another anonymous display:
Gareth Southgate claims England have been "too reliant on Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling" following Italy draw
Southgate was forced to defend himself this week for his perceived negative tactics and team selection.
Those who buy into that theory will have plenty of ammunition after his side's display against the European champions, but Southgate told Channel 4 (per BBC Sport) after the clash:
"We are trying to move the ball through a good, well organised team. We gave the ball into our forward players, we have given them all a go and tried to refresh it so that sharpness in the final third is not there. I was pleased with the general performance."
"We have been too reliant on Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling and other players have to step into that space. A number of them have been able to it with their clubs but have not converted at international level."
The 51-year-old coach added:
khoeseb4
0
sack southgate, we want to see the best world cup of world cups!!
that will be the bigest mistake...to fire Southgate
khoeseb4
0
Over rated cows useless 😠
JusAKoolGuy
0
Talk about the over-hyped Mason Mount
Lmfao at you
hupbdelpu
0
The England players are very exhausted after playing ridiculously several matches in the course of the season. They should be on holiday resting somewhere. It is unfortunate to expect top performance from tired players. They are not machines and their fatigued bodies cannot keep on producing incredible performances
Are they only the players that played all through the season? We know all those players playing for international duty are all tired players but some countries are still squeezing out something out, they have failed as a team, let's acknowledge that and stop giving excuses
MumbaRk
0
let them as for me I don't even watch most there games unless they are playing a team a like
hascnorsty
1
The England players are very exhausted after playing ridiculously several matches in the course of the season. They should be on holiday resting somewhere. It is unfortunate to expect top performance from tired players. They are not machines and their fatigued bodies cannot keep on producing incredible performances
Tubcekmru
2
England failed to beat this clowns[Comeon].. Italy had a weaker lineup compared to England .u21 boys would have done the job 👌
HEROICSDEFENDS
1
sack southgate, we want to see the best world cup of world cups!!
before Gareth southgate England was nowhere near and now under Gareth they have been in Euro finals so what's your fetish ?
HEROICSDEFENDS
2
Why people keep crying England players are overhyped?? Are you guys jealous of their popularity?? Accept it or not England Premier League and England players are the best entertainment in football. Even if they loose at international level, their presence in a tournament brings the drama 🎭
lol nobody care about drama only cups nobody will ask how much drama did you create last world but will ask did you won the world cup
Vubcilmnrt
0
call up u21 boys
MaddyKotagiri
6
Why people keep crying England players are overhyped?? Are you guys jealous of their popularity?? Accept it or not England Premier League and England players are the best entertainment in football. Even if they loose at international level, their presence in a tournament brings the drama 🎭
tonaemprt
0
sack southgate, we want to see the best world cup of world cups!!
Zasbklmt
2
Overhyped team with nothing to show for under a manager not know for success. Given up long ago watching this team.
JimmySherab
3
England players are more overrated than the reality which was not on the pitch.
tikbeiuz
0
Talk about the over-hyped Mason Mount
Nah only mount dey d pitch
tikbeiuz
2
Nah only mount dey d pitch ni
Fatbcdiky
1
Rubbish from Southgate. physically and psychologically what? Too much of the excuses, It won't win matches for the team
Runbcdkru
7
Talk about the over-hyped Mason Mount