Old boy says team are on Wright lines to travel even further than 1990 heroes
THERE are striking similarities between England’s last World Cup semi-final team from Italia 90 and Gareth Southgate’s current heroes.
Quite apart from being written off before a ball had been kicked, the success of both campaigns has been based on youthful energy and a system of playing three at the back. ‘I’ve been delighted by the way England have played. When you have three outand-out defenders, people who can mark properly, it gives you more attacking options,’ says Italia 90 star Mark Wright, who played the John Stones role in the middle of Bobby Robson’s defensive trio. ‘Either side of me I had Des Walker, a good man-marker, and Terry Butcher, the most passionate man in the world. It was my job to read situations, to let them know when they could advance, that I’d have their back.
‘You have to be the thinker in that position and that’s what Stones is. He’s the insurance and confident in distributing the ball. This system gives a team attacking impetus. The way we played allowed our flair players like Chris Waddle and Gazza more freedom.
‘This system gives Kieran Trippier and Ashley Young the chance to get forward.’
Wright headed a set-piece winner against Egypt to put England into the knockout stages 28 years ago, just as
Stones has scored twice in this tournament.
Robson also relied on young legs just as Southgate is doing.
Both teams had just one outfield regular aged over 30, Butcher then and Young now.
Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United were represented in the starting XI then as now. So was the east Midlands with the area once home to Peter Shilton, Stuart Pearce, Wright and Walker passing the baton to Harry Maguire.
But whereas Southgate went to Russia with a pre-determined plan to play 3-5-2, England introduced the system during the 1990 World Cup after a dull draw in their first game against the Republic of Ireland.
Wright disputes the myth that the players press-ganged Robson into making the change.
‘I know that’s not true because the gaffer told me before we went to Italy that he was looking at three at the back and wanted me to be part of it.’ Wright is praying England can go one better than his team.
‘This is the most open World Cup I’ve ever seen which is why England have one hell of a chance. No team has really stood out and major nations like Italy and Holland, who were big rivals of ours, didn’t even qualify. Wow, it’s getting me excited.’