Netherlands and Turkey on course
Vice European champions England are threatened with relegation in the Nations League more than ever. In Germany’s Group 3, the English suffered a 4-0 defeat against Hungary on Tuesday evening. Freiburg’s Roland Sallai (16’/70′), Zsolt Nagy (80′) and Dániel Gazdag (89′) scored the goals for the visitors in Wolverhampton. In addition, England defender John Stones (82nd) saw yellow-red for repeated foul play. Coach Gareth Southgate’s side, who were still without a win, remain last, which would ultimately mean relegation to the B-League. The surprisingly strong Hungarians, on the other hand, lead the group ahead of Germany after four matchdays.
After the worst home bankruptcy for the “Three Lions” in more than 90 years, coach Southgate is the focus of criticism. In contrast to many fans and some experts, captain Harry Kane didn’t want to know anything about Southgate’s dismissal after Tuesday night’s 4-0 loss to Hungary. “I shouldn’t even answer that question, if I’m honest,” the Tottenham Hotspur attacker said on British television. “This is our first major defeat in a long time. (…) That was of course an evening to forget, but we have to put up with it and move on.”
Many of the crowd in Wolverhampton expressed their frustration with boos and whistles and chants at Southgate, suggesting he had no idea what he was doing. The first experts also questioned the future of the coach, who had led England to the final against Italy at the European Championships in their own country last summer and before that to the semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup.
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Former national player Gary Lineker was still limited to wishing for a playing style like that of Liverpool FC. After just one goal in the four Nations League games without a win over the past two weeks, ex-Liverpool professional Stephen Warnock told BBC radio: “I’m not sure he’s the right man. There are other candidates who are better suited – and I’m sure Gareth Southgate is under pressure tonight.”
The heaviest home defeat since a 5-1 loss to Scotland in 1928 caused great uncertainty in England. “We haven’t lost many football games and when you lose that hard, especially at home, it’s very painful in England,” Southgate said. “Of course a night like this is difficult and it’s important that I take that off her shoulders because it was absolutely up to me.”
Not the team, he himself decided on the numerous changes and the tactical orientation of the team. “The responsibility for this lies with me. It was difficult to send out the best team in every game, so we used it to prepare for Qatar,” he said. “I have sympathy because I chose teams specifically for the two games against Hungary where I tried to balance the team and give young players an opportunity. I didn’t get that balance to deliver at a level that was necessary to win those games.”
All 32 tickets awarded: These teams have qualified for the 2022 World Cup
Nations League: Netherlands and Turkey remain on course
The Dutch, trained by former Bayern coach Louis van Gaal, are on course for the final tournament. Van Gaal’s side are still unbeaten in Group 4, beating Wales 3-2 (2-1) on Tuesday. Noa Lang (17th) and Cody Gakpo (23rd) scored the goals for the league leaders in Rotterdam. Brennan Johnson (26th) scored for the Welsh – and then things got turbulent. In the second minute of added time, Gareth Bale equalized with a penalty kick. A few seconds later, Memphis Depay scored the Dutchman’s acclaimed winner.
Things are also going well for Stefan Kuntz and Turkey. Turkey also won their fourth C-League game on Tuesday, beating Lithuania 2-0 (1-0). The former Bundesliga professionals Kaan Ayhan (37th) and Hakan Calhanoglu (54th / penalty kick) scored the goals. Turkey remains first, which would ultimately mean the targeted promotion to the B league.
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