| Dates: Sunday, 20 November - Sunday, 18 December Venue: Qatar Coverage: Live on BBC TV, BBC Radio 5 Live, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app |
The Nations League game between England and Germany at Wembley ended in a 2-2 draw.
It was always going to have significance despite the fact that the match was irrelevant in the context of the tournament.
England showed real spirit to come from 2-0 down to take the lead, only for Germany to make it six winless games for the team.
There are major issues for the England manager to tackle after he selects a side to play Iran in the World Cup opener.
Despite growing evidence that he shouldn't be in the starting line-up, Southgate has been steadfast in his support.
His faith in Manchester United's captain, dropped at club level by manager Eric ten Hag after a run of poor form that started long before the Dutchman's arrival at Old United, was undermined by his performance against Germany.
He made two mistakes for Germany's first goal, a poor pass leading to him giving a penalty for a foul on Masiala, and then he conceded possession upfield which allowed the visitors to break away for their second.
Watching a player who served him well as England reached the World Cup semi-finals and Euro 2020's final is uncomfortable, but also raises the question of whether Southgate's loyalty to a player who served him well is now self-destructive.
With his confidence shattered and his exile at United, he is unlikely to get a chance to rebuild before the World Cup.
Fikayo Tomori did not get a chance in the international break.
He rates Crystal Palace's Guehi a lot more than Coady does. The exclusion of Ben White from these games is not good for him.
If the injury to John Stones isn't serious, then he could have a dilemma over two centre-back positions for the Iran game.
If he doesn't perform well, he won't be in the England team. It will be a huge risk for the manager if the defender is true. Do not bet that he won't stick by him.
Is Trent Alexander-Arnold going to the World Cup? Will he be able to make up the numbers if he is?
The Alexander-Arnold debate is growing and not giving him a minute over the last two games, not even including him in the match day squad against Germany, only increases the noise.
Alexander- Arnold has had a poor start to the season. So, he can point out that he is ignoring him on the basis of form, but that leaves him open to the possibility of being inconsistent.
Many will be puzzled, but he simply seems to feel he has others who will do the job he wants better than Alexander-Arnold, even though he has proved vulnerable.
Kyle Walker's pace is an asset, as well as having the ability to play on both flanks, as well as being a superb talent, solid in defence and with attacking qualities.
On the left side, Shaw put himself back in contention as a rival to Ben Chilwell with a good performance against Germany that included a goal and a sumptuous pass to Sterling that should have resulted in a goal.
Alexander-Arnold may make the England squad, but he won't be in the starting line-up.
Shaw's goal was the first from open play for England.
Who would turn to if Harry Kane was to be injured and his ankle problems were to become a problem again?
It looked as if Ivan Toney would get a chance to stake his claim after a deserved call-up for the games against Italy and Germany but he was not included in the Milan match-day squad.
What was the point of calling him up if he wasn't being used? If Toney had a chance to play for England, he would have taken it; now he will be deflated by his international experience.
Is Tammy Abraham a good believer? He wasn't used and that is not a sign of confidence.
He is the longest of long shots because he has barely been fit for a year and hasn't played this season.
There are a lot of choices in the wide positions. MarcusRashford showed signs of regaining form before he got injured. He might be seen as a deputy for Kane, but Toney or Abraham could still find themselves on the plane.
Manchester City's Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are two examples of the creativity that Southgate has to offer.
After coming on as a substitute, Mason Mount made a big impact with a goal against Germany. Jadon is fighting to get back into the squad despite his improved form this season.
At just 19 years old, Jude Bellingham is an amazing talent and his performance against Germany will surely convince England to start him against Iran.
He's made for the big stage, even if it's with England in a tournament or with a team in the European Championship.
When he has been available, he has preferred a more conservative duo of West Ham United captain Declan Rice and KalvinPhillips, but the latter has barely played since leavingLeeds United for Manchester City and is currently recovering from shoulder surgery, which casts a doubt over him.
Jordan Henderson and James Ward-Prowse will likely move up in the order if he is out.
Bellingham must start if England is to have a chance of winning the World Cup.
Jordan Pickford's status as England's premier goalkeeper has now been decided.
Despite not making a mistake in 45 England appearances, the keeper has still had his position debated.
In the three games he hasn't played in, England have conceded eight goals and his importance has increased as his value is being recognised.
The uncertainty with the ball at his feet against Italy and Germany did not help his chances of being his deputy, and his error at Wembley which allowed Kai Havertz to level the score was a desperation moment for him.
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