Andy Flower has warned his batsman that none of their places are safe following England's latest failure against Pakistan.
Flower's men were bowled out for just 72 on Saturday, losing the second Test and the series after struggling with Pakistan's spin bowling.
"It was a horrible day to watch and a horrible day to be involved in," Flower said.
"We got ourselves into such a great position to win the Test so to be bowled out for 72 is devastating."
England looked to be in control during the first three days in Abu Dhabi, but collapsed after being set a modest target of 145 to win.
"There were some familiar mistakes and we need our batsmen to learn very quickly," Flower said.
England's inability to handle spin was highlighted again at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
Of their 20 wickets to fall, 19 went to Pakistan's trio of slow bowlers, and Flower did not shy away from the problem at hand.
"With any issue you have in any facet of your life, the first step towards dealing with it is an accepting there is an issue and we can't get away from that fact," he said.
"These issues are not going to disappear. We have got to face them front on and we have got to face them with skill and a bit of courage."
It was the third time in four innings England have been dismissed for less than 200 and their leading quartet of Eoin Morgan, Andrew Strauss, Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell have failed to score more than 32 in 16 innings between them this series.
With Ravi Bopara the only batting alternative in the squad, Flower conceded key decisions would have to made ahead of the third Testm, which starts on Friday.
"We must pick what we think is the best XI to win the game," he said.
"If that means making the odd change here and there, then we won't be afraid to do that."
"Continuity of selection has been a part of our strength but very obviously we have to pick players who are most adept at dealing with these conditions."
England must win the third Test to ensure they hold onto the number one spot in the Test rankings beyond April 1, while a loss or draw would open the door for South Africa to overtake them, should the Proteas defeat New Zealand 3-0 in March.