England's dismal Nations League campaign continued as they slumped to their worst home defeat since 1928 against a ruthless Hungary.
The Three Lions have gone four games without a victory for the first time in three years and look out of form and confidence with the World Cup around the corner.
They capitulated to a humiliating and potentially damaging defeat that had the crowd booing and baying for Southgate's job at the end of the game.
A well-taken finish at the back post and a second goal on the break gave Hungary a 2-0 lead at the break.
There was more to come from a rampant Hungary, as Zsolt Nagy fired in from range and - after John Stones was sent off to compound a poor evening for the hosts - Daniel Gazdag finished brilliantly.
The hosts once again lacked the belief and inventiveness to open up their opposition, despite the fact that they missed a couple of decent chances.
Hungary, who top a group that also includes Germany and Italy, were well organised and clinical to earn only their second win over the Three Lions on English soil and first since a famous 6-3 success at Wembley in1953.
After playing out a goalless draw against Italy in front of a couple of thousand children, the Three Lions were supposed to get a boost from a packed and boisterous Molineux.
There were nine changes to the side that drew with Italy and England did start with some purpose when James lofted a ball to the back post, where Bowen was unable to turn it in.
James should have done better when England caught the visitors on the break after he stopped Hungary from doubling their lead.
The night belonged to Hungary as they showed a clinical edge that England have been lacking throughout the break.
England have not allowed more than one goal in 25 previous games before this one. The run was cut to pieces after Nagy slammed in a third and Gazdag added a fourth.
The players will be happy to take a break before the pre-season begins.
With just two games left in September to arrest this slide before England head to the World Cup in Qatar, and also contend with the real possibility of being demoted from the top tier of Nations League football, there will be a lot to ponder.
England discovered in the opening Nations League game that Hungary had taken a point off Germany and were sitting second in the group.
You have to go all the way back to 1953 to find Hungary's only previous victory against the Three Lions in England.
The 700 or so visiting fans at Molineux were delighted with the performance that they saw after they ground out a win over England.
Having built a Hungary side who have proved they can mix it with the world's best, it's safe to say that Rossi's stock is only going to get better.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
