LONDON -- England arranged these high-profile friendlies to help answer one of the few remaining questions about Gareth Southgate's side: can they consistently deliver against the biggest nations?
Rather than silencing those doubts, Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley means they will grow a little louder. England are billed in some quarters as favorites for Euro 2024, but their record against the elite sides is one of the biggest factors tempering that enthusiasm. Southgate has made giant strides during his eight-year tenure, reconnecting the team with its fanbase and guiding a young side to a semifinal, final and quarterfinal in his three tournaments to date.