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World Cup Qualifying - Europe | Group Stage
Sep 2, 2021 at 7.45pm UK
 
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Hungary
0 - 4
England


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5 talking points ahead of England's World Cup qualifier with Hungary

:Headline: 5 talking points ahead of England's World Cup qualifier with Hungary:
The Three Lions play in their first match since the Euro 2020 final defeat.
Sports Mole

England take on Hungary as Gareth Southgate's men turn their attention back to World Cup qualification.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the Thursday's Group I encounter in Budapest.

Euro 2020 hangover?

England lost the Euro 2020 final to Italy in July (Mike Egerton/PA)

Nobody will forget England's summer run to the European Championship final, nor the way their dreams were extinguished in such agonising fashion. The wounds from July's penalty shootout defeat to Italy remain raw but the Three Lions have to refocus as they return to action just 53 days later. Southgate's men top their World Cup qualification group with nine points after three fixtures and can take a giant step towards next year's tournament in Qatar in this month's triple-header against Hungary, Andorra and Poland. But moving on from the Italy loss is easier said than done, with defender Harry Maguire saying the trip to Budapest will be a big mental test for them.

Support for Sancho, Saka and Rashford

Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka missed penalties in the Euro 2020 final (PA)

As England return to action, there will be heightened focus on those that missed penalties in July. Marcus Rashford is absent from these qualifiers following shoulder surgery, but Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho – who is a doubt to feature in Budapest due to a small knock – are involved. The wellbeing of the trio has been a big topic as the despair of failing from the spot was followed by some sickening racist abuse on social media. Southgate knows a thing or two about costly penalty misses and says he will support his players in whatever way he can, but the England boss highlighted that the players just want to move forward.

Problems in Budapest?

England will be playing at the Puskas Arena on Thursday (PA)

In 2019, England players were subjected to racist abuse in European Championship qualifiers in both Montenegro and Bulgaria. There is some fear about similar issues in Budapest given Hungary were charged with racist and homophobic offences during Euro 2020. They will play their next two home matches in UEFA competition behind closed doors with a third game suspended, but the ban does not include Thursday's qualifier as that is played under FIFA jurisdiction. Asked about the matter, England boss Southgate said the focus should be on tackling racism close to him home.

Beware of improving Hungary

Given there was so little time since the Euros, Southgate was always going to stick largely to the same group. The only uncapped player in this squad is Patrick Bamford, who narrowly missed out on a call-up earlier in the year. The 27-year-old is determined to grab a chance that is sure to come at some point this month given Dominic Calvert-Lewin's withdrawal through injury means the Leeds striker is one of only two recognised strikers along with captain Harry Kane.

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