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England suffered a 1-0 defeat against Iceland in their final warm-up game ahead of Euro 2024. Gareth Southgate announced his 26-man squad on Thursday, generating anticipation for what the younger players could deliver in the clash at Wembley.

However, the outcome was underwhelming. Despite Cole Palmer's dynamic performance on the right side alongside Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon, Iceland took the lead. Jon Thorsteinsson capitalized on a sharp move from Hakon Arnar Haraldsson, cutting inside to score with a low shot past second-choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Wembley was stunned, and England sought to respond. Harry Kane missed a chance over the bar, Phil Foden's effort went wide, and Palmer failed to convert a one-on-one opportunity. The team lacked ruthlessness and creativity in the final third.

Gareth Southgate's side now heads to Germany following this defeat. Southgate will hope this setback serves as motivation for improved performances when the tournament kicks off.

England's flaws were glaringly evident as their defeat at Wembley cast a shadow over their departure for Euro 2024. It was a disappointing end to what essentially marked the beginning of the Gareth Southgate era, highlighting the significant challenges ahead. The manager faces the daunting task of addressing the numerous deficiencies in this unexpectedly inexperienced team before their first Euro 2024 game against Serbia.

The 1-0 loss to Iceland at Wembley on Friday marked a peculiar milestone in England's history, signaling potential concerns for the upcoming tournament. It was only the second time in their history that England lost their final game before a major tournament, with the previous instance dating back to 1954, a famous 7-1 defeat to Hungary in a vastly different era.

While previous victorious send-offs have sometimes led to disappointing tournaments, this result carries weight as Southgate navigates what is likely his final campaign. England, once considered among the favorites for Euro 2024 due to their deep and experienced squad, now find themselves on the brink of the tournament with many seasoned players replaced by relatively untested newcomers who lack collective experience. This shift raises genuine questions about England's prospects as they embark on this new chapter.