England at risk of regressing to dark days of old as Italy loss raises crippling worries

It is 59 days or eight weeks this Monday until England start their World Cup campaign.

And on this evidence, we should be worried. Very worried. England suffered the indignity of defeat in the San Siro and relegation from their Nations League group.

But they have now gone five games - or seven-and-a-half hours - without scoring from open play and they really do look as if they have forgotten where the goal is. In the summer, Gareth Southgate could blame fatigue and tired legs for their dismal displays in the Nations League but there could be no excuses against Italy.