John Stones was absent for England on Friday night, and it hurt them.
England slumped to a 0-1 defeat to Italy in Milan, their fifth consecutive match without victory and fifth game in a row without scoring from open play. While the result confirmed the Three Lions' relegation from the top tier of the UEFA Nations League, it is the latter point that will be of most concern to manager Gareth Southgate.
Just a month-and-a-half out from their World Cup opener against Iran, England's previously bountiful supply of goals has completely dried up. While that can be explained by poor performances from attackers, Southgate's tactical shortcomings and a system that appears to leave space for little creativity, the role of England's defenders must also be considered.
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Against Italy Southgate deployed Harry Maguire, Eric Dier and Manchester City's Kyle Walker as the three centre-backs, with Reece James and Bukayo Saka as wing-backs.
Italy countered England's set-up by pressing their centre-backs and outnumbering their two midfielders, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. Often the defenders had the chance to play out of the press by passing to a spare man, but too often Walker, Dier and Maguire missed those opportunities and instead had to play hopeful balls upfield to the likes of Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling.
While the presence of Stones - he missed the game through suspension - would not have solved everything, his superior passing ability, composure on the ball and vision would certainly have helped England build from the back. The 28-year-old will likely return to the starting line-up when England take on Germany at Wembley on Monday. If he significantly improves England's build-up play then he seems a sure bet to start at the World Cup.
While conventional wisdom would suggest that would be a bad thing for City - more chance of injury and returning to the club tired - it could actually be a good thing.
Stones has always been a defender who plays his best football when he's enjoying a long spell in the starting line-up. He's not a 'plug-and-play' kind of player who can come into the team and perform brilliantly after sitting out for a few weeks. Last season he lost his place in the City team to Aymeric Laporte, and when he came back into the side he often looked a bit rusty.
With all five of City's senior centre-backs set to feature at the tournament, it would be no bad thing if Stones returns to the Etihad in late December match sharp with plenty of minutes under his belt. His return to the England XI should help the national team, but it could also help the Blues after Christmas.
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