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Gareth Southgate insisted that his English players’ collective performance in the 1-1 draw with Hungary was more of a downfall than tactical or individual choices.
John Stones’ tap-in nullified Roland Sallai’s penalty at Wembley after the Three Lions failed to win a home qualifier for the first time since 2012.
Southgate insists that while they are not happy with the team’s performance, they need more time to ponder why their players couldn’t overtake Hungary.
“[It was a] disappointing performance. Hungary, full appreciation, you have given us a tactical problem. We weren’t fluid and I didn’t think we were playing at the level we needed to play, very simply, “he told ITV.
“It’s hard to locate [why England weren’t at that level]”Of course we will go away and think a little about the team balance, but I think we can be better individually and I think we made a lot of simple mistakes with the ball.”
Southgate chose to start Mason Mount and Phil Foden for the first time in midfield alongside Declan Rice, and the trio all looked below par on Tuesday. However, Southgate says it will take time for these local relationships to develop.
“I think we have to go away and think. We shouldn’t judge things on just one game in terms of these kinds of experiments because I think we weren’t keen on our game across the board, we gave the ball. ” gone, we overran things, “he added.” I just think we were under, but I think for the first time in a long time we have to hold our hands for it. “
Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling were withdrawn late as England were looking for a winner, and when asked if the duo’s slow start to the season had carried over to international break at the club level, Southgate insisted the problems were on the team and not individual players.
“I think we shouldn’t look at individuals because I think that together we haven’t reached the level we need and when you have that kind of situation it’s difficult for the individual.”
