Gareth Southgate insists England are heading in right direction

Gareth Southgate has maintained that England are heading in the right direction despite overseeing relegation from League A of the UEFA Nations League.

The Three Lions were relegated after losing 1-0 in Friday's away meeting with Italy courtesy of a second-half strike from Giacomo Raspadori.

As a result of the defeat, England are winless in five competitive matches for the first time since 1992 ahead of the World Cup, which begins in November.

Following the loss to Italy, Southgate was greeted by boos from the travelling support when he went over to clap them after the game.

In response, Southgate told supporters: "I understand the reaction at the end because [of] the results we've had in this competition. It is an understandable emotional reaction."

Commenting on the performance, the England boss also added: "It's difficult to be too critical of the performance. I personally thought the performance was a step in the direction but I completely understand that because of the result, that won't be the reaction externally.

"The reaction will be guided by the result but we weren't far off with the performance tonight. I have to keep the players on track and not being distracted."

England have one final chance to end their winless run before the World Cup when they welcome Germany to Wembley on Monday.