There were probably not many people who thought in advance that a group with Italy, England, Germany and Hungary would invite the EC runner-up England to be sent down to the B division next season, while Hungary goes from strength to strength and leads the group before the final the round.

But with one match remaining in the A Division's Group 3, it is now a reality.

With a single goal scored and two points in five games played in the Nations League, there are probably many who question the English national team captain, Gareth Southgate's leadership ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

Before the EC final replay against Italy, they were under pressure to take at least one point so that the hope of continued play in the top division would live into the last round.

Didn't get a hole in Italy

But the English attack, led by captain Harry Kane, had great problems finding goals.

Italy didn't immediately sprinkle with chances either, but when Giacomo Raspadori found the right spot on Leonardo Bonucci's cross to make it 1-0, it was match-deciding.

For England, this means that the distance to Germany and Italy will be too great before the last round and that they will therefore be housed in the B-division (where Sweden now plays) next season.

Italy took an important step with tonight's victory.

From third place, they now move past Germany, who lost at home to Hungary 0–1, and are only two points from the playoff spot where Hungary currently resides.

Hungary is the opposition in the Italians' last group stage match, on Monday.

CUT: Daniel Sundgren before the Nations League against Serbia

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Daniel Sundgren.

Photo: Bildbyrån.