5 things England must learn from March international fixtures

England's final chance to prove their mettle before Euro 2024 has now come to an end as the Three Lions return to their clubs without a win under their belt.

The international break started on a poor note for England, with Gareth Southgate's side losing several key players due to injury. Their first game of the break ended in a disappointing 1-0 loss at the hands of Brazil.

Then, following a shuffle of the squad, Gareth Southgate's side scraped a last minute draw against Belgium on Tuesday. It seems team selection may be an issue for Southgate, who will soon be forced to submit the passport numbers of those he wants to join him in Germany.

Here are five things England must learn from the March international break ahead of Euro 2024.

1. Kobbie Mainoo is actually a baller

18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo has made only 23 appearances in his first full season at Manchester United, and now he has two senior England caps.

The teenager was a late addition to Southgate's squad, but quickly earned his place in the team after offering the answer to their midfield woes.

A composed performance, Mainoo looked slick and natural against Belgium, working well with both Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.

There is a serious case for him to be on the plane for Euro 2024 now.

2. Where on earth does Phil Foden play?

It seems no one knows where to play Phil Foden, and Southgate definitely doesn't have the answer to the question right now either.

The England boss seems adamant on using him in a wide role, despite his continuous struggles and lack of experience playing there. The 23-year-old has said himself he prefers to play centrally, as per his role at Manchester City.

Foden was ineffective against Belgium, until he began to drift inside. Naturally, Jude Bellingham is England's number ten, but a link-up for this pair could create a mayhem in the centre for opponents to deal with.

3. Henderson may need to amend his CV

Jordan Henderson's days in the squad may be over, as the 33-year-old was unable to get a single minute on the pitch against either Brazil or Belgium.

Sure, he provides experience in the squad, but Henderson will struggle to earn a spot when both Kobbie Mainoo and Conor Gallagher battle for a place alongside Declan Rice.

This may mark the end of his England career.

4. Bowen will prove useful in Germany

He's been arguably West Ham's best player this season, but now Jarrod Bowen has proven himself key in England's squad also.

He's a unique, direct forward that offers something different among the team's overpopulated attacking department.

He was unfortunate to score an offside goal against Belgium, as honestly he did deserve his name on the scoresheet. He's a handful on the pitch, and England will be crying out for a player like him in Germany.

Hope he gets extra leg room on the plane, he deserves it.

5. Southgate's set on 4-2-3-1

We didn't see many tactics on offer this week, but we did see the use of a 4-2-3-1 system against both Brazil and Belgium.

The results didn't show it, but this formation does makes sense for some key players. It allows Jude Bellingham to push forward, while also offering central cover over England's sometimes poor defence.

The solid midfield base also allows for wide rotation, while opening up lots of passing lines and angles to play out from the back.

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