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 semi-final exit from the World Cup has left fans and pundits alike reflecting on what could have been. While the team's effort, spirit, and moments of brilliance were on display, it's clear that they fell short in terms of all-round quality. This is a concern that has been lingering for some time, with England's inconsistency in major tournaments a recurring theme.
In the context of the World Cup, England's defeat to Argentina highlights the gap between them and the top teams. Argentina, led by a talented squad and effective coaching, demonstrated a more well-rounded game that ultimately decided the outcome. For England, the challenge now is to address these quality issues and develop a more cohesive unit that can compete with the best on the biggest stage.
Looking ahead, the key question is how England's coach and selectors will respond to this setback. Will they focus on building on the positives from the tournament, or will they look to make more significant changes to the squad and playing style? With the next major tournament on the horizon, England fans will be eager to see progress and a more convincing display of quality.
Originally reported by bbc.co.uk. MyNews adds analysis for general news readers.