Jude Bellingham shows England’s potential before old flaws emerge

England can already see a path to glory at Euro 2024. If that sounds like the usual triumphalism then consider how mature Gareth Southgate’s team looked during the first 45 minutes in Naples on Thursday night. There was a boldness to England, an easy balance in midfield, invention and incision in attack, and Italy could have had no complaints if the game had been over as a contest at half-time.

The defending European champions – the team who broke England’s hearts at the last Euros – were lucky not to be 3-0 down. There was a glaring miss from Jack Grealish, who passed up an open goal moments after Harry Kane had become his country’s record goalscorer, and a constant sense that England were too quick, physical and talented for the Italians, particularly with Jorginho and Marco Verratti looking too old to compete with Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice in midfield.

Those were the moments when Southgate’s decision not to quit after the defeat to France at the World Cup made sense. France are wary. They believe that England will be their biggest threat in Germany next year. The French know all about Bukayo Saka after seeing the winger torment Théo Hernandez in Qatar. They have seen Bellingham and Rice go toe to toe with their midfield. They think that England, who will be even better if the likes of Phil Foden and Reece James can push on at international level, are on the right track under Southgate.

The potential was obvious during the first half in Naples. Kane was outstanding, confusing the Italian defence with his movement and bullying them with his strength. The captain epitomised England’s authority. In the final of the Euros Southgate had reverted to caution, sacrificing a midfielder by playing a back three, leaving