England 's preparations for Euro 2024 concluded in the worst possible fashion, as Iceland deservedly ran out 1-0 winners over the Three Lions at Wembley in their final warm-up friendly. Four days on from a 3-0 success over Bosnia-Herzegovina - a scoreline which certainly flattered Gareth Southgate 's men - England were subjected to another embarrassing defeat against their Euro 2016 conquerors. Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson 's first-half strike was the telling moment in an excruciating watch for the Three Lions faithful, whose side managed a paltry one shot on target despite having 68% of the ball.
Southgate's charges were arguably fortunate not to lose by more on the evening, although the likes of Declan Rice and Anthony Gordon reflected on the positives after the game, hailing the match as a worthwhile experience ahead of Euro 2024. Some will certainly argue the other way, though, and here, Sports Mole looks at what Southgate may have learned from England's agonising defeat. © Reuters Already missing Harry Maguire and the exceptional aerial threat that the Manchester United man possesses in both boxes, Southgate's heart would have been in his mouth when John Stones hit the deck in agony a mere 40 seconds into the match.
The Manchester City man was able to carry on despite feeling the full force of an Icelandic body on his ankle, but he was partly responsible for Thorsteinsson's strike, allowing the striker to cut inside far too easily before beating Aaron Ramsdale at his near po.
