Three prominent members Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham were as good as nowhere to be seen.
If you did catch a glimpse of them against Slovakia, they looked ponderous, nervous and clueless.
But even in the most dire of sporting situations, leaders have deep wells of resolve, deep wells of defiance, deep wells of determination.
More importantly, they have a muscle memory that lifts them above the average run-of-the-mill player.
How else can you explain Bellingham's extraordinary leveller deep into stoppage time? How else can you explain Kane's predatory finish that made it 2-1 early in extra-time? Kane had been terrible in the regulation 90 minutes.
If, as the Bayern Munich star claims, he really is fully fit and his back is not giving him any grief, it is hard to explain why he has developed the turning circle of an oil tanker.
For large parts of England's Euro 2024 campaign, Kane's movement has been laboured to say the least.
Denne historien er fra July 01, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
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Denne historien er fra July 01, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'I want the chance to prove myself again'
PEP GUARDIOLA feels the need to prove himself all over again-despite his glittering successes at Manchester City.
SEAN HAILS BRAVE CALL
SEAN DYCHE says Everton made a \"brave decision\" to reject Manchester United's £50million offer for Jarrad Branthwaite.
Howe looks to end Toon striking issue
EDDIE HOWE is banking on the competition between Alexander Isak and fit-again Callum Wilson to spark a faltering attack.
Iraola won't play it by the book
ANDONI IRAOLA admits Bournemouth will miss Antoine Semenyo but is happy to accept yellow cards as the price for the club's style of play.
McKenna refuses to rest on laurels and asks for more
KIERAN MCKENNA has warned Ipswich they must build on their improving Premier League form.
Davies sends Blades to top of pack
TOM DAVIES came off the bench to score a late winner as Sheffield United went top.
STAYING AT RED BULL IS TARGET FOR MAX LEGACY
Champion insists he does not need to win elsewhere
How Pope managed to get out of a Stew
OLLIE POPE revealed a heart-to-heart with his mentor Alec Stewart helped pave the way for his timely return to form against New Zealand.
Former intern fights boss for half his £1m company
AN antiques dealer to the stars is locked in a bitter court fight with a former intern who says she has a right to half of his £1million firm.
Highgrrrove's not too ruff for us...
MISSY the English cocker spaniel looks excited to be meeting a King Charles, but Percy the white bichon cross appears to have realised her mistake...
