Ready to reign
instance. The 18-year-old is likely to be on the bench tomorrow but could offer a very dependable alternative if Plan A is struggling.
Incredibly, he knows instinctively how to have an impact on a game because Southgate has filled his squad with natural-born footballers.
“People will look at what Jadon can do and the excitement he brings, but he does make good decisions on the pitch in attacking areas,” said Southgate, “whereas for some people the heart races faster and they’re not able to pick those passes or see the runs of people ahead.” The upshot is, whoever pulls on that shirt, he looks like he is in his element. Not hiding away from the elements. Tomorrow, that new England attitude will be crucial. DIFFERENT FORMATION
The three-at-the-back formation that worked so well in Russia was discarded when England went to Croatia last month. The new-look 4-3-3 did not really bed in, though, till the subsequent wins against Spain and USA, when England discovered their goalscoring touch.
DIFFERENT PERSONNEL
The new system finds a place for Marcus Rashford as well as Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling. Five of England’s semi-finalists are unlikely to be in the starting line-up, with scorer Kieran Trippier unlikely to play even if he had been fit.
MORE ATTACKING FLAIR
All the changes Southgate has made have been positive ones. Ross Barkley, right, has returned from the international wilderness to add a creative spark while having so much pace alongside Kane in a front three means there is less reliance than there was in the summer on the England captain for goals.