England must start controlling matches against bigger nations and learn to keep the ball if they are to end a long wait for a major trophy, according to Gary Neville.
Despite several disjointed displays at Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate led England to a third major men’s final appearance and first on foreign soil but they lost 2-1 to Spain in Berlin on Sunday night.
While the showpiece was a tense affair and not settled until Mikel Oyarzabal struck in the 86th minute, Spain had 65 per cent possession as England tried to counter-attack their way out of trouble.
After another shot at joining the 1966 World Cup heroes in immortality went up in smoke, former England and Manchester United defender Neville told Sky Sports: “We were dead on our feet on that pitch.
“Until we can master the ball, find solutions to work our way out under pressure, I do think we will continue to fall short.
“At Manchester United, we won the odd game on the counter-attack but over the course of the season, we had to control football matches.
“It’s hard work being without the ball and England play without the ball in too many big games against too many big opponents.
“There’s no reason with the technical players we’ve got why we can’t keep the ball better.”
Captain Harry Kane missed the end of the season at Bayern Munich due to injury and while he scored three goals during the tournament, the 30-year-old has looked a pale imitation of the striker who has terrified defences.
Kane was again ineffective against Spain and brought off just after the hour mark, and Neville suspects he has been carrying a knock through the campaign.
“I’d be amazed if it doesn’t come out that Harry has been carrying some form of injury and patching himself up to get out on to the pitch,” Neville added.
“He physically never looked himself during the tournament, everybody could see that. Harry’s performances were nowhere near the level that he set and ultimately there will be question marks.
“If it comes out in the next couple of weeks he’s been patching himself up, there may be further questions as to why he was picked.”