Southgate got it right this time

AS England contained Croatia’s midfield maestros last night, Gareth Southgate may well have pondered why he did not switch to this system during the World Cup semi-final. With England playing a back three in Russia, Croatia’s master technicians completely outnumbered them in midfield and on the wings. Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic bossed the game that night but this time England disrupted their rhythm. The most telling moment was in the first half when Kyle Walker clattered Modric. It was a clear sign that England would not give him an inch and get as many players around him as quickly as possible. Jordan Henderson and Ross Barkley harried the midfielders, pressurised them and gave them little time on the ball. England’s forwards also pressed high to restrict the supply line to Modric and Rakitic. When Croatia’s centre halves — Domagoj Vida and Dejan Lovren — had the ball, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford would come in off the flanks and press them. It prevented the defenders from popping passes into midfield as they did with ease during the semi-final. The forwards’ pressure also forced goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic to punt the ball long. In Russia, I cannot recall Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic having to do so against England. Once England realised they could restrict Croatia, it gave them the confidence to go for the jugular in the second half. Rashford had two glorious chances to win the game which he should have scored. The first was more difficult than it looked — the ball was bobbling as it came to his unfavoured left foot — and that missed chance seemed to affect his confidence for his second opportunity minutes later. Had England taken their chances, it would have been a perfect night for Southgate. His players demonstrated they could quickly adapt to a new plan. They now need to be more ruthless.