Italy is ahead of us at the moment just for this season, but our 4th spot is safe at least for next season as the 5 year rule hasn't come into play. But as things stand, we will certainly lose it for 17/18 and it will be hard for us to chase it back for at least the next 2 other seasons as Italy has found out because of the 5 year rule.
Looking at both matches, it's very clear why English teams are struggling. Technically we are inferior to the German teams. They are so much braver at passing through the lines and spotting team mates into open space.
In contrast to us, every time someone press us, we pass the ball all the way back to goal. We don't look for team mates through the lines enough. Our players take very little responsibilities on the ball.
