Prior to the World Cup in Russia, Gareth Southgate had his full squad together for 15 consecutive training sessions. Ahead of the European Championship that begins for his team against Croatia on Sunday, the England manager has just five.
English club success is largely to blame. Manchester United’s participation in the Europa League final and the meeting of Chelsea and Manchester City in the Champions League final mean Southgate will not get his full complement of players operating together until today.
There is much to work on. The two teams that played recent friendlies against Romania and Austria in the North East looked a little cobbled together.