Gareth Southgate’s side endure a humiliating defeat at Molineux as Hungary run riot with four unanswered goals.
England suffered their heaviest home defeat in 94 years as Hungary delivered a stunning 4-0 thrashing at Molineux, condemning Gareth Southgate’s side to another demoralising loss. The Three Lions, already on a four-match winless run, were dismantled by the Hungarians, who clinched their second victory over England in just ten days.
Roland Sallai was the star for Hungary, scoring twice, with Zsolt Nagy and Daniel Gazdag adding further misery late in the match. The defeat sent a dismal message to England fans, who voiced their displeasure, particularly after John Stones’ red card shortly after Hungary’s third goal. England’s performance, or lack thereof, left the home crowd seething.
Southgate’s team, struggling for form, has now failed to win in four games, with their solitary goal in this run coming from a Harry Kane penalty against Germany. Despite early promise, England’s lack of cohesion saw them slip to the bottom of their Nations League group, with just two more matches remaining before the World Cup in Qatar. The growing concern is the lack of progress, as the team looks unprepared for the challenges ahead.
The match started brightly enough for England, as Jarrod Bowen had a header blocked when he appeared set to score. However, it was Hungary who struck first after 17 minutes. A poorly cleared free-kick found its way to Sallai, who slotted the ball past Aaron Ramsdale, despite the goalkeeper’s touch. England had further close calls, as Reece James cleared off the line and Willi Orban almost scored an own goal from a Bukayo Saka cross.
The game’s turning point came early in the second half, as Southgate made attacking changes with Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount coming on. Despite the fresh legs, England’s play remained lacklustre and Hungary capitalised on their mistakes. Sallai bagged his second goal after a sloppy pass from Kalvin Phillips allowed Hungary to break, with the striker poking the ball past Ramsdale to double their lead.
As England pressed forward in search of a response, Hungary exploited the space left behind. Nagy hammered in a shot from the edge of the box to make it 3-0, prompting boos from the home crowd. The situation worsened when Stones was harshly sent off, and Harry Maguire’s introduction was met with widespread jeers. The atmosphere at Molineux turned toxic.
In the dying moments of the match, Gazdag sealed the humiliation for England, dinking the ball over Ramsdale to complete the 4-0 rout. As the final whistle blew, Southgate’s men were left shell-shocked and facing an uncertain future heading into the World Cup.
