A purpose
put in place when Southgate changed to three at the back after the qualifiers. The system is good, even if something is still missing in quality in the final third.
Southgate picked Jordan Pickford over Jack Butland because his distribution is superior. It is the same with Harry Maguire being preferred to the more experienced Gary Cahill. As someone who championed the idea of a more technical game across youth levels when he joined the FA, Southgate has stuck to his values in the senior job.
What England still lack is creativity linking midfield and attack. There is not a lot Southgate can do about that. Thierry Henry once told me what Guardiola told his Barcelona side. “My job is to get you from the goalkeeper to the final third, then it is up to you to produce the magic.”
England do not have that magician – someone to supply Kane the chances in open play. They are too reliant on set-pieces. That may ultimately be where they fall short. But they are still playing The England set-up from set-pieces – which Glenn Hoddle has named “the Love Train” – has made it impossible for opposition defenders to man-mark. It is confusing opponents, leading to frustration. Colombia panicked and gave away the penalty. The only way to combat it is to adopt a zonal system in the set-up, waiting for the kick to be delivered before picking up your man to mark when the England group breaks. It is not ideal, and there is a possibility you will not be on the man you were listed to watch, but that is the only way to stop the panic.
with control and opponents are not hurting them, which is the cause for optimism. The possession is not without purpose when denying the opposition chances to attack.
Southgate’s success is good news for his eventual successor. He has demonstrated a glittering management career is not a prerequisite to be an international coach if you have a clear vision and way of playing mapped out.
A year ago, people looked at Eddie Howe, for example, and felt him too inexperienced to be England manager. In future, I suspect, they will feel differently about such candidates if they are sure their technical vision will develop our international team.
The irony today is that England face a side playing the style we have been denouncing in our national team for years. Sweden will be well-organised, defensive and content to concede the ball.
England have been trying to banish old-school tactics for 20 years. Now they stand between Southgate and a place in a World Cup semi-final. Sweden’s focus on defence means the onus is on England to attack and force the play.
Against a packed defence that means you have to draw them out of position and create space. You have to bring variety to your attack, particularly from wide positions.
One thing Germany did effectively against Sweden was have an under-lapping runner as an option when the ball was wide. That means getting the ball wide, in a position for your winger or wingback to cross. Kieran Trippier’s delivery has been superb, and when he gets the ball it is natural for the Swedes to drop slightly, ensuring they have Harry Kane covered. But what Germany did so well is that they then had a runner inside the winger, someone exploiting the pocket of space caused by the Swedes dropping off. If the ball goes inside it means they have enough room on the byline to either dink in a cross, drill it low or pull it back. Having three options – rather than just the one available to the wingback – unbalances the opposition, and sometimes you cannot cover everything. It is a tactic I hope England try to copy this afternoon.