Effort, spirit and moments - but do England lack all-round quality?
As England reflect on their World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina, BBC Sport's Phil McNulty looks at what Thomas Tuchel's team were lacking.
England's World Cup campaign has come to an end, and with it, a period of introspection for the team and its supporters. The semi-final defeat to Argentina has left many questioning whether the team has what it takes to compete at the highest level. While the players have shown effort, spirit, and moments of brilliance, the team's overall performance has been marred by inconsistency.
The lack of all-round quality is a concern that has been highlighted by the team's defeat. Thomas Tuchel's side has struggled to find cohesion and balance, with some players performing well above others. The team's inability to adapt to different opponents and situations has also been a issue, as evidenced by their struggles against Argentina. As the team looks to rebuild and improve, identifying and addressing these weaknesses will be crucial.
Looking ahead, the team's focus will likely shift to the upcoming European Championship. With a new cycle of competition on the horizon, England will need to assess their squad and make adjustments to ensure they can compete with the best teams. The team's young players will be eager to make a impact, and fans will be watching closely to see how they develop and grow. The question on everyone's mind is: can England address their shortcomings and become a more well-rounded team?
Originally reported by bbc.co.uk. RefNews adds analysis for general news readers.