Experimenting with formations, doubts over Harry Maguire and Jordan Pickford, a lack of midfield spark and headaches over players breaching Covid rules... how the problems are stacking up for England boss Gareth Southgate as Euro 2020 looms

Daily Mail | October 8, 2020

It feels as though the intensity has stepped up a notch this time for England.

Last month's internationals, before the Premier League had even started, were pretty much a non-event as England's performances in a lucky win over Iceland and boring draw with Denmark suggested.

This week's triple-header - a friendly with Wales then a UEFA Nations League double-header against Belgium and Denmark, all at Wembley - seems altogether more serious and the beginning of the true Euro 2020 countdown.

Gareth Southgate has nine months to figure out his best team and formation for Euro 2020

England lacked spark during their drab goalless draw against Denmark a month ago

It's up to Gareth Southgate now to work out his most effective starting line-up, his best system and the strongest group of 23 players for the tournament squad.