John Stones was absent for England on Friday night, and it hurt them. England slumped to a 0-1 defeat to Italy in Milan, their fifth consecutive match without victory and fifth game in a row without scoring from open play.
While the result confirmed the Three Lions' relegation from the top tier of the UEFA Nations League, it is the latter point that will be of most concern to manager Gareth Southgate.
Just a month-and-a-half out from their World Cup opener against Iran, England's previously bountiful supply of goals has completely dried up.
While that can be explained by poor performances from attackers, Southgate's tactical shortcomings and a system that appears to leave space for little creativity, the role of England's defenders must also be considered. READ MORE: Phil Foden has shown he's ready for a new Man City position Against Italy Southgate deployed Harry Maguire, Eric Dier and Manchester City's Kyle Walker as the three centre-backs, with Reece James and Bukayo Saka as wing-backs.