England hits and misses: Bellingham missed while Lewis impresses on senior debut
At the top of Gareth Southgate's Christmas list may just be a fully fit and fluent Jude Bellingham for the summer.
In England's final two Euro 2024 qualifiers, attacking rhythm was lacking and there weren't enough goals. Two of their three strikes against Malta and North Macedonia came through own goals, after all.
Ultimately, England do not look as multi-geared as they are when Jude Bellingham plays. They needed those lung-bursting runs from nowhere that forced the two goals against Italy in October. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden showed flashes of quality in the No 8 roles, but little end product came through.
This month has shown that Bellingham is needed in this England team just as much as Harry Kane. Both are arguably the best players in the world in their respective positions. Keeping them fit, firing and hungry in June is vital to England's chances in Germany.
Sam Blitz
Rico Lewis has provided a timely solution to England's left-sided problem.
The Man City teenager played with the composure and temperament of a 50-cap defender at left-back, let alone one making his debut.
Lewis, who turns 19 on Tuesday, didn't allow a poor refereeing decision against him that led to North Macedonia's goal to affect his performance.
Gareth Southgate cannot afford to take risks in his 23-man Euro 2024 squad which is where Lewis' versatility may give him the edge over the injury-prone Ben Chilwell and even Luke Shaw.
What will also be key in Lewis' selection is how often Pep Guardiola plays him this season. Perhaps Euro 2024 may prove to have come just too soon but Lewis will be a shoo-in for England squads of the future.
David Richardson
While Rico Lewis seized his chance, Jack Grealish had a mixed night on the left flank.
The City duo
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