AS SOUTHGATE TAKES THE BLAME, ENGLAND PLAYERS SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OF THEIR POOR GAME AGAINST USA

Despite a 5-0 loss to the USA, England is out of the World Cup. England has all but secured a place in the last 16 with a 0-0 draw, putting them at the top of their group with a superior goal difference. It is true that they should be topping this group when considering the opposition, but the USA is no mug, ranking 16th in FIFA's world rankings. In light of this result, they should not be dismissed and will be confident of their chances of progressing.

For England, Southgate is the fall guy. His critics scrutinize every decision he makes, and he simply cannot win. When he selected the team that hit six goals past Iran, the players received all the accolades. Whenever England wins, it is due to circumstances beyond Southgate's control and not due to his efforts. Nevertheless, when the Three Lions fail to win, he is to blame and shields the players from abuse. It takes a good leader to assume that responsibility, but the players themselves must also accept some responsibility.

It was not a good day for Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling was absent, Jude Bellingham was poor, and Declan Rice was way below his usual level. However, the manager was heavily criticized for considering sending Harry Maguire to this World Cup. He was the best player wearing a white shirt last night. The fact that he stuck by his man, even when everything was against him, has not been credited to him. Due to the fact that Southgate selected exactly the same eleven that thrashed Iran on Monday, it is difficult to see how he can entirely blame the players for their poor performance. As a starting XI, he made the right choice, and as substitute, he made the right choice. During the second half, England struggled to keep possession of the ball, so Southgate replaced Jude Bellingham with Jordan Henderson and took off Raheem Sterling for Jack Grealish. He immediately regained control of the ball and stopped the American advance.

The performance of Marcus Rashford has been impressive as he came on to replace Bukayo Saka recently. Although Manchester United's striker is more effective from the left, he performed well from the right against Iran. It was important to get him on the pitch and he produced from that position. As the manager opted to stick with Mason Mount in midfield, Phil Foden, one of England's most talented technical players, was left on the bench. It's important to note that Foden is not a central midfielder like Mount, and England didn't have to go all-out to win. If Southgate had needed a goal in a knockout game, Foden would have been brought on. It was more important not to lose a game than to win one in a group-stage contest that was not going their way. With four points from two games, England is likely to reach the quarterfinals. If they defeat Wales on Tuesday, they will top the group.