After losing to Italy in Milan, England were demoted to the second tier of the Nations League.
The Three Lions have only one match left before their World Cup opener against Iran, and that is against Germany at Wembley on Monday.
The key talking points from England's last match before heading to Qatar were taken by the British Broadcasting Corporation.
England reached the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and won the European Championship for the first time.
The Three Lions have come a long way from their last-16 defeat at Euro 2016 and Sam Allardyce's subsequent 67 day and one match reign.
In June of this year, England's worst home defeat since 1928, in the form of a four goal loss to Hungary, was greeted with boos by the home fans.
There are more questions than answers going into the final international break before the World Cup after four winless Nations League matches.
Despite a strong line-up and limited opportunities for the players to impress for a place in the World Cup squad, England were unable to rediscover their spark as the threat of the drop looms.
The upcoming meeting with Germany is the final chance to trial players and tactics before the World Cup, where they will bid to improve on their run to the semi-finals.
The numbers don't make for good reading for England with just one game left.
This is the longest winless run for the Three Lions in more than two decades.
Italy ended England's bid for a first major trophy in 55 years last summer with a 22- match winning streak that began before their Nations League results and performances.
For the first time in more than two years, England's winless run extended to five games after this defeat.
This is the first time that England have won more than 50% of their matches in charge of the national team.
The lack of goals has been a concern for England.
Their only goal in the Nations League was Harry Kane's penalty against Germany in June.
They haven't scored in a competitive match since beating San Marino in November last year and have not scored in an open play goal in over a month.
San Marino are the only nation yet to score a non-penalty goal.
England went five matches without scoring in the first half for the first time in over 30 years, as their first shot didn't arrive until the 35th minute.
Harry Kane is still three goals behind Wayne Rooney as he attempts to become England's all-time record men's scorer, but Italy keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma denied him with England's best chance in the final stages.
The Three Lions will play Germany in their worst scoring form since 2000 when they went three games without a goal.
The two games against Italy and Germany gave him his last chance to trial players and tactics before the World Cup.
Despite not starting a game for his club in six weeks, the England boss selected Manchester United captain Harry Maguire in a back three.
Though his club form is a concern, Southgate has made clear his faith in those players who have been an important part of England's runs at major tournaments.
Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances as both sides repaid the loyalty of one another.
Jude Bellingham's case for inclusion in the starting XI was furthered as he played with Declan Rice in protecting the defence and he was rated as England's best player.
The role of the players tasked with providing width was taken over by the Saka brothers, who were unable to have an impact in the unfamiliar role.
Despite his belief that this latest performance was a step in the right direction, there is still much to consider.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
