Southgate stays in experimental mood with Qatar World Cup in mind

Gareth Southgate is focused on England's World Cup preparations rather than quietening critics, meaning promising performances from his experimental side were as important as the result against Italy.

It is just over five months until the Three Lions kick off their quest to be crowned world champions in Qatar, where they will face Iran, the United States and neighbours Wales in the group stage.

England now only have three more matches until the tournament gets under way, which is why manager Southgate has tried different systems and personnel during June's Nations League fixtures.

The Three Lions lost 1-0 in Hungary and drew 1-1 in Germany before Saturday's drab 0-0 draw with inexperienced Italy - a match that saw the manager attempt to hone and fine-tune at this "incredibly complicated" time.

"We're trying to set out the best possible way to get through these games, learn as much as we can, of course with a desire to win, but there is a bigger objective for us at the end of the year as well," Southgate said.

"What I didn't want to do was keep rolling out the same team because a win might relieve a bit of tension on my shoulders when the more important thing is the team and how we progress ahead of the World Cup.

"So, for me, it was really important to see those players come in and play as well as they did, and that was as important today as the result.

"With the players that came into the team, very pleased with Aaron Ramsdale. I thought he made important saves, was very calm in possession of the ball, so that was exactly what we were hoping he would bring.

"With Fikayo (Tomori), I thought in the main he defended very well, was calm with the ball. His speed is a great asset for us at the back, so I thought he played with