There were a few positives to take from England’s clash with Germany, but the game also told us what we all know – Roy Hodgson has his work cut out if we are to buck the trend of disappointing in major tournament football out in Brazil next year.

After the 2-0 loss to Chile, victory would have been a big boost, but even without some of his top players, Joachim Low still managed to lead Germany to another win at Wembley.

The fact that the game’s only goal came from a Premier League player, Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker, underlined our big problem – we don’t have enough homegrown players turning out regularly in our own top flight.

England had plenty of possession, but struggled to find that touch of quality, and while Chris Smalling had a decent game at centre-back and keeper Joe Hart produced a good reaction to his recent troubles, it was a letdown to concede to a set-piece.

Steven Gerrard showed the talent we know he has, and there were bright performances from Adam Lallana, who kicked on after an encouraging show against Chile, and Andros Townsend, who has emerged as a key attacker his pace and footwork.

It was interesting to see Hodgson go with two frontmen, Wayne Rooney and Dean Sturridge, but the way football is gong in terms of just one striker means it’s difficult to do that in major matches, because you lose a body in the crucial midfield area.

Sturridge didn’t hit the heights we had hoped, but he has been in great for Liverpool, and in international terms, it’s early days, so perhaps another run-out when we play Denmark in March is called for.

Hodgson has certainly taken the chance to cast his eye over a few options, and that Wembley work-out against the Danes is going to be important, especially as it’s the only game remaining before he names his World Cup squad.

The big date before that, of course, is December 6, when the draw is made, and we now know it will include France and Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo showed just what a special talent he is with a hat trick – his eighth of the season, I read – in the play-off second leg against Sweden in Stockholm.

How strange is it that while three English sides top their Champions League groups, the only one to have definitely made the next phase are Manchester City, who sit second?

It goes to show how tight the tournament is, but hopefully Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United will all make it.

There are some who fancy the Mesut Ozil-inspired Gunners to go all the way, and that win in Dortmund certainly underlined their potential.

Arsene Wenger has huge experience of European football, and his side should be able to account for Marseille in their penultimate Group F game at the Emirates tomorrow.

Chelsea to go Switzerland to take on Basel, who clinched that surprise win at Stamford Bridge in the opening game.

Like Wenger, Jose Mourinho has extensive knowledge of the Champions League – he’s won it twice – and will be thirsting for revenge.

Wednesday is a huge night for Manchester United, who go to Germany to take on Bayer Leverkusen, who are second in Group A.

Victory would be a massive tonic for David Moyes, who is battling to prove wrong those who say his lack of experience of European football is having an effect.

But they will have to do it without injured Phil Jones, who was immense as a defensive midfielder in that crucial Premier League win over Arsenal earlier this month.

United are also missing Michael Carrick and Danny Welbeck, both big losses for Moyes ahead of his test.