SOUTHGATE'S BACK FLAW

It's a basket case for the defence as insult of poor defeat is added to injury

- ANDY DUNN

WHEN Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson fell clumsily on John Stones' ankle in the very early stages of this game, the Manchester City defender lay motionless and Gareth Southgate looked suitably concerned.

The England manager should remain looking suitably concerned.

Stones was fit enough to see out the first half-time will tell if there are any implications for his participation in the tournament - but, if there was one thing to take away from this predictably low-intensity friendly, it was a reminder that if Southgate wins Euro 2024 with this set of defenders then he will thoroughly deserve the inevitable knighthood and praise.

And he will deserve to walk into any coaching job he fancies.

Driving to Wembley, a well-known bookmaker was on the radio telling listeners why England were worthy favourites to lift the Henri Delaunay trophy in Berlin on July 14.

Presumably, the speaker was unable to keep a straight face.

No wonder you rarely see a bookie who doesn't have a fat cigar on the go. Or a £221m salary in Denise Coates' case.