Five Truths: England's problem with John Stones, Italy's big need

There is a reason John Stones is not in the Everton team at the minute - he makes too many errors. That was on show when he played for England last night when he slipped and handed Netherlands a clear run on goal, just before their penalty conceded by Danny Rose. Sure, it was unlucky that he slipped, but Stones put himself in that position by trying to turn tightly with the ball while under pressure.

On the flip side, the 21-year-old was also involved in the build-up to Jamie Vardy’s goal and set up a lovely chance for Theo Walcott in the 62nd minute by threading through a pass after stepping forward into midfield. So he sets up chances, but is shaky under pressure. It’s a risk for Hodgson to pick him but he may be rewarded.

Lorenzo Insigne is busy and worked hard against Germany but the Azzurri lack a potent goal scorer in the class of a Christian Vieri or an Alessandro Del Piero. There is a lack of experience in the front line which could be exposed at Euro 2016 in games when their defence is breached. Federico Bernardeschi is a young winger still finding his feet at this level, while Simone Zaza was anonymous for much of the game in Munich and is not in goal-scoring form at club level for Juventus.

Antonio Conte may have to turn to Southampton's Graziano Pelle or the injury-prone enigma that is Stefan El Shaarawy as his main scorer. The 4-1 defeat to the Germans was a stark reminder for the defence of the tests to come at the highest level, but also for the forwards of the need to step up.

It was only a friendly, and France are already assured of their place in their own tournament this summer.

The game against Russia was France's first home match since the November terrorist attacks, and there was a muted start to the match after a minute's silence was observed for the more recent attacks in Brussels. Few would have objected if France had simply tried to get the game out of the way, but instead they obliterated Russia with a performance full of attacking verve. At the back they were a little ropey, but Didier Deschamps' side were inspiring and inspired.

The Lukaku brothers – Romelu and Jordan - scored a goal straight from the back garden as they linked up to grab a consolation during Belgium’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal.

Trailing by two goals to Portugal after Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo scored first-half goals, Belgium were struggling and Romelu was becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of service throughout the match.

However, he was on the score-sheet within just two minutes of his brother Jordan being introduced, when the winger found the Everton forward with a fantastic cross. The goal sparked wild celebrations between the pair who were playing their first senior match together. It was a genuine touching moment in an otherwise poor display from Belgium.

Judging Marc Wilmots’ side on this performance would be harsh. Key players such as Christian Benteke, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, and Jan Vertonghen were all missing. But barely any of Belgum’s reserves impressed – with the exception of Romelu’s little brother. Jordan - a 21-year-old who plays for Oostende - has certainly not done his chances of featuring in France any harm.

Slovakia's rationale for playing the Republic of Ireland in a friendly was to get a sense of the “British” style of football ahead of their Euro 2016 meetings against England and Wales. They were obviously expecting a physical, aerial battle at Lansdowne Road, but that is no excuse for switching off from doing the basics, like marking the opposition's best player.

Slovakia allowed Wes Hoolahan time and space to build Ireland's attacks. The Norwich playmaker shone at the tip of the diamond in the opening 45 minutes. Only in the second half did manager Jan Kozak get Jan Gregus to man mark the 33-year-old, but by then the damage was done. You do wonder what Dele Alli, Ross Barkley, Aaron Ramsey or Gareth Bale will do to Slovakia in France this summer if Kozak doesn't sort out his defence out soon.