Shown up on the continental stage, first by Champions League group-stage exits and then by Europa League last-16 departures at the hands of teams not even challenging for their domestic titles, England's finest have had their credibility knocked.
English leaders Manchester United could not match the skills and passion of La Liga's seventh-placed side Athletic Bilbao in Thursday's 5-3 aggregate defeat, while City's spirited fightback did not make up for earlier errors as they went out to Sporting.
"We have to win the league to save our season. If we don't win the league, it will have been a really bad season," United defender Patrice Evra told MUTV.
"I'm not worried about the league because we are playing well and now we are top, in front of Manchester City."
If they keep pace over the coming weeks, next month's Manchester derby at Eastlands could be a title decider.
Silverware might rescue their seasons but could be seen as superficial when the country's class has diminished in terms of continental success as Champions League quarter-finalists Chelsea are the only English club still in European competition.
"If we have the same spirit that we had in the second half we can win the next game against Chelsea," he told reporters after a header by goalkeeper Joe Hart in the last minute of stoppage time was tipped past the post to stop them progressing.
"And I am confident that we can win the title."
"We haven't played in Europe this season with the same desire that we have in the league," Evra said. "We can se
