IEngland drew 1-1 against Hungary at Wembley, slowed down on his climb to the Qatar World Cup and placed its direct qualification to the clash that will play the next day against Albania.
After beat Andorra 0-5, Gareth Southgate’s men, In his second stake in the international window, he had the option of leaving his qualification for the World Cup on track. He faced a rival who has languished since Mexico 1986, his last participation in a World Cup, and that he faced a past of glory with the memory of the exhibition at Wembley on November 25, 1953.
That day, led by Ferenc Puskas, Hungary won 3-6 and put on a modern football spectacle never seen before. That memory, very distant, contrasts with the current Hungary, in the recovery phase after participating in the last two Euro Cups but very far from the level of times past almost forgotten in time.
Just in case, Southgate used his best pieces. After reserving them against Andorra, he only repeated in the eleven with John Stones and Phil Foden at eleven. With all his artillery, including Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Mason Mount and Harry Kane, he launched himself for the game with his best weapons.
However, a very well worked and organized team was found. Hungary greased their defensive machinery to perfection with superb placement. Well locked behind, during the first half they unhinged England, unable to generate chances. Only from set pieces, he was able to disturb the goal defended by Peter Gulacsi.
Thus came the both of Stones on the edge of halftime, after a free kick by Foden that Tyrone Mings head extended and that it arrived at the foot of the central Manchester City. He only had to push the ball and avoid further upset, because Hungary was twenty ahead. minutes before through Roland Sallai.
After passing through the changing rooms, the duel followed almost the same paths. Physical wear and tear left more holes, but the trend was practically the same, with England thick and Hungary like a rock behind. The chances were not going to be excessive and the Southgate’s box couldn’t fail to win.
Sterling had it in a heads up that he wasted against Gulácsi, very fast and providential to save his team. There wasn’t much else. Hungary did too much and England’s creativity dried up. Now, he will have to wait for the next round, against Albania, to seal his qualification for the World Cup. Hungary needs a miracle to reach the play-off.