England stay winless in Nations League after being held by Italy in a 0-0 stalemate at a near-empty Molineux

It was the primary assembly between the 2 sides for the reason that Euro 2020 remaining at Wembley final 12 months. 2,000 kids had been in attendance despite a UEFA ban for crowd bother at Wembley.

England supervisor Gareth Southgate reacts throughout the match. (Courtesy: Reuters)

HIGHLIGHTS2000 kids had been in attendance regardless of a UEFA banEngland’s Aaron Ramsdale made essential saves in 1st halfHarry Kane was left on the bench till the sixty fifth minute

Gareth Southgate’s England remained winless in Nations League as they had been held by Italy in a 0-0 stalemate at a near-empty Molineux on Saturday.

It was the primary assembly between the 2 sides for the reason that Euro 2020 remaining at Wembley final 12 months. The match was a tame affair with little to cheer for the two,000 kids in attendance despite a UEFA ban for crowd bother at Wembley, the place Italy received on penalties.

Among the 2 goalkeepers, England’s custodian Aaron Ramsdale was the busier one, making essential saves within the first half as Italy minimize by way of the house group’s defence.

England lacked attacking spark with Harry Kane left on the bench till the sixty fifth minute. The solely time England got here closest to attain was Mason Mount’s first-half shot in opposition to the bar. Although Raheem Sterling wasted a chance after the break, England did not do sufficient to earn the win.

Southgate’s England are positioned within the backside of Group A3 with two factors, whereas Roberto Mancini’s Italy are on the high with 5 factors. England will subsequent host Hungary, whereas Italy will journey to satisfy Germany.

“We improved upon a lot of things today,” Southgate mentioned. “We had two or three really good chances that we needed to score and lacked that bit of sharpness in the final third.

“But the final efficiency I used to be happy with. I believed the second half we had been the higher group.”