England 3 Scotland 0: Five things we learnt as Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions destroyed the Tartan Army
Daniel Sturridge bagged his second goal of the World Cup qualifying campaign - but fellow striker Raheem Sterling still needs to go to finishing school
ENGLAND eventually destroyed Scotland with ruthless finishing in the long-awaited World Cup qualifier at Wembley.
But what were the main points to learn from the Three Lions as they continue what seems a cruise towards the 2018 finals in Russia?
John Stones is not good for your nerves
The defender must be encouraged to keep developing his game and bring the ball out from the back as he continues his football education, but boy might there be a few mishaps along the way.
First he was robbed of possession when the last man on half way, but Scotland failed to make him pay, and minutes later he was getting himself all tangled up attempting a Cruyff turn on the edge of his own area.
Then came a blind pass inside instead of putting the ball into Row Z, which only just evaded two rampaging Scottish forwards.
The Manchester City man has the potential to reach the very top if he continues his education, but we might have to accept some clangers may happen.
Gareth Southgate could be England’s lucky manager
Okay, he’s only been in charge for three games, but fortune has been kind to Southgate since he took over from Sam Allardyce.
There is nothing better than an easy debut, Malta duly obliging as the Three Lions recorded a workmanlike 2-0 win to get the ball rolling.
Next up was the altogether more tricky trip to Slovenia, and in truth England should have been beaten on the night but poor Slovenia finishing then Joe Hart’s unbelievable goalkeeping saved Southgate defeat.
And things could have been so different in this game had Scotland had anyone who could finish. A free header missed in the first half were followed by two golden opportunities the Scots spurned to level just after the break.
England were lucky to escape, and they went straight up the other end to double their lead through Adam Lallana.
England have a little gem in Adam Lallana
One of the few players to come out of the Euro 2016 shambles with any praise after bright and industrious displays, but the real problem was he just couldn’t score at international level.
The Liverpool man has now scored two goals in two World Cup games for England this season, finally adding the finishing touch to his excellent all-round play.
On the continent, Lallana is seen as England’s best player by many, and now he is starting to get the recognition he warrants both for club and country.
Raheem Sterling needs to go to finishing school
The Manchester City star’s career has proven Sterling is never going to be prolific in front of goal, but that still doesn’t excuse him missing some of the opportunities he does.
And nowhere was his lack of clinical touch exposed more than in this game when he somehow contrived to put the ball high over the crossbar from all of two yards.
Sterling is a confidence player, and Pep Guardiola has done well to restore it after his woeful Euro 2016, but to be a very top player you need composure at the vital moment, and poor Raheem lacks that.
England are not at the top table in the world order
They may be top of Group F, but England are still long way short from being one of the big-guns of world football.
A stoppage time winner against Slovakia, limp victory over Malta and lucky draw in Slovenia is their recent form to add to this victory over a poor Scotland side.
Top spot and automatic qualification is between the Three Lions and Slovenia, but on this display the likes of Brazil, Germany and the rest are hardly going to be quaking in their boots.
