England failed to deliver once again on the big stage against a big nation, losing  3-2 to France. Even, after playing against 10 men for much of the second half.

The lions may have had little expectations going into the game after drawing 2-2 against Scotland in a World Cup qualifier. In which the performance was poor albeit dominant against the Scots.

While Tuesday’s night was a turn around in the first half, a lackluster display in the second brought the usual dismay for supporters.

I though I would have a look at what we learnt from the 3-2 defeat in Paris.

1. Where is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s best position?

The Arsenal midfielder looked sharp when he came on in the 65th minute, scoring the opener five minutes later. The Ox came on for Rashford on the wing, a position the outsider would say is his best; demonstrating this with his pace and quick cut in that lead to his goal against Scotland.

Tuesday’s display was the opposite though. Playing in a more central role, which Arsene Wenger has favoured him now and then in this season; he was wasteful in possession. The midfielder lacked the composure against the best of Pogba and Kante, looking lost defensively at times. Even when doing the simple acts of a midfielder to collect the ball of the defenders he wasted the ball several times going for a long range ball or a through ball that was not on.

It was clear that on a national stage the Ox does not suit the midfield role. He may have played the whole game but disappeared  for much of the second half as France began to turn the screw. Statistics from the game suggest this, as according to Opta stats, the Arsenal man played just 18 passes in the first 45 minutes, finding the target with 61.6 per cent of those – by far the lowest success rate on the pitch.

For me, the Ox is a pacy dangerous winger and can change the game at any point with his mazy runs. Either he can a good impact sub, as proven against Scotland, or stay out wide where he has time on the ball to attack full backs and not think about getting the ball in a central role from the defenders.

2. Does 3-4-3 work for England?

The formation seems to be on trend nowadays since Antoine Conte mastered Chelsea’s Premier League title scalp with it, but does it just work for him.

Manager Gareth Southgate used it against Germany in the 1-0 loss that night, and it looked at chaos when playing France. The midfield of Eric Dier and Oxlade Chamberlain were exposed both in their retaining of possession and there defensive capabilities.

The back three were vulnerable when counter attacked with the pace of France youngsters whom were a threat all game. While the wing backs of Kieran Tripper and Ryan Betrand were not used as often as they should be in the attacking areas. As the switching of the ball was often slow and sluggish.

The players that started did not suit the formation one bit, the formation of 3-4-3 is unique to Contes compact Chelsea, while England were all over the shop. Back to the drawing board for Southgate.

3. Ryan Bertrand was a silver lining in the performance

The Southampton left back was a live wire against Scotland and put in some great crosses for the Harry Kane and further showed his ability on Tuesday night. Playing in a more advanced role as a wing back he got an assist for Kane’s opener.

The former Champions League winner looks assured on the ball and is as good going forward as he is defending. An able deputy for Danny Rose for sure and was unfortunate to be subbed off at half time in Paris.

4. Should Eric Dier be in the starting 11?

The 23 year old put in a poor display against France, both in possession and in a protective role. He has continued to not look like the ball player England need in the midfield, while equally not doing his job of protecting the back three or four.

If he was not a Tottenham player would he be in starting line up?

Dier does not seem good enough defensively to be in the centre back role in front of Cahill or Smalling, but is a ball playing defender when he is in the defence.

5. Kane is here to stay

Kane scored twice against France to continue his fine form in front of goal for club and country. He seems sharp still despite a long season in the Premier League and Europe for Tottenham.

The striker has looked every part the player England need up front in the games against Scotland and France, holding the ball up in a Alan Shearer-esque way. Similarly putting his penalty away firmly down the middle as the former Newcastle United forward did.

If Kane carries on this kind of performance there seems no doubt he could be number one choice up front and even continue to deserve the captains armband.