'I thought we were in control' - Rice gives verdict on England's Nations League relegation

England were relegated from their Nations League group after losing to Italy, but Declan Rice doesn't think it's all a disaster.

Gareth Southgate's side knew they needed a result against Italy to retain their place in League A, but they ultimately lost 1-0.

England are now on a five-game losing streak, not the ideal way to qualify for the World Cup later this year.

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Despite England's recent struggles, Rice has remained positive about the direction England are heading.

Rice told Channel 4: "It's obviously disappointing. In every tournament we go to, we want to win the group, progress and win every game. We've slipped below our standards.

"I didn't think everything was bad tonight, a chance for them, a goal.

"I thought we were controlling the game."

Southgate's side saw more ball with 56% possession, but that was without really creating many clear chances.

Giacomo Raspadori's second-half goal was the difference between the two teams and was enough to relegate England from their group.

With the World Cup fast approaching, alarm bells have started to ring over England's recent performances, but Rice is keeping a cool head.

He added: "We did well, especially in the first half, we just lacked that sharp edge at the end.

"It happens. Much better performance than in summer.

"It's not that we don't create chances.

"So many times we walked into the penalty area. Even I could have had a shot, instead of dropping it.

"I see it in training, there are goals for fun. Trust me, we're going to be good."

England will have just one game left before heading to the World Cup in Qatar.

On Monday Southgate's side will face Germany and he will have his last chance to assess the squad before making his final 26-man squad.

Some question marks have been raised over Southgate's most recent selection, particularly the omissions of James Maddison and Jadon Sancho.

Despite disappointing results, Southgate keeps a cool head.

The England manager told Channel 4: "I personally thought the performance was a step in the right direction. I completely understand because of the result which is not going to be the reaction.

"It's a time when, ultimately, results will be the thing that everyone reacts to, but I thought there were a lot of positives for us as a team tonight. "

The pressure will continue to mount on Southgate unless he is able to reverse this poor form.