Blunt England lacking the spark of their European rivals


(Reuters) - England have qualified for their sixth consecutive World Cup finals but Sunday's 1-0 victory in Lithuania merely underlined the problems they face if they are to make an impression on the big stage in Russia next year.

They may have topped Group F undefeated, but for the fourth qualifying match in succession Gareth Southgate's side lacked the creative spark that sides such as Germany, Spain and Belgium boast in abundance.

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