I think we have all been blinded by the hype regarding the much vaunted abilities of the English players.
In reality most of the team are artisans, not artists. It isn’t the players’ fault; it is simply that the English game is predicated upon athleticism, pace and physicality. There is a general failure to identify and nurture technical skills.
Sweat, earnest endeavour and the ability to run flat out for ninety minutes are more highly valued than technical ability on the ball.
Sadly this was brutally exposed yesterday when we proved incapable of holding onto the ball for more than a few seconds or passes, as, after a shaky start, the Italians gradually worked their way back into the game, eventually looking the most likely winners.