The phoney war is over and now Gareth Southgate is fast approaching the end game.
England suffered the ignominy of relegation in the UEFA Nations League, but ended a dismal campaign on something of a high note with a performance full of fight and character against Germany at Wembley. Now all eyes are turning towards Qatar, where the Three Lions will head, rightly or wrongly, among the favourites. A group of Iran, USA and Wales awaits.
With no more games to be played and therefore no more room for experimentation nor fine-tuning, questions have been asked of Southgate's use of his squad during the Germany draw and Italy defeat at San Siro. Should Trent Alexander-Arnold have been used? Why wasn't Fikayo Tomori utilised? Why play Harry Kane twice when you know everything there is to know about him and not give Ivan Toney an opportunity?
