England’s performance last night should have surprised no one. Gareth Southgate is simply not a good manager.
For all those that highlight his “success” since taking charge, having managed us to a World Cup semi-final and Euro final, always remember that Roberto di Matteo was in charge of Chelsea when they won the Champions League.
Like do Matteo, England get where they are in tournaments under Southgate due to the players individual talents rather than Southgate’s tactics or management.
A better manager may well have won us a World Cup or European Championship over the last 6 years.
England’s problems are clear, and the fact Southgate does not recognise them will cost us again
Trent Alexander-Arnold is not a midfielder. He is a right back. Why would you experiment with his positioning at a major tournament having alienated him for 2-years prior?
The Liverpool right back is a fabulous long passer of the ball. But there is no point playing those balls over the top when you have Harry Kane up top.
Kane is one of the best finishers in the world, but he has lost whatever pace he had. He also no longer creates for himself or drifts outwide.
Ian Wright and Gary Linekar got it right with him on ITV and BBC respectively. He is too lethargic and needs to concentrate on scoring goals rather than sauntering back slowly.
Phil Foden is also a delightful player, but he looks lost on the left hand side.
Foden will naturally come inside. But with right footed Trippier at left back, the left hand side then becomes very narrow.
The solution is easy. Play like Arsenal
Set up 4141 and trust in Declan Rice as the loan defensive midfielder.
Ahead of Rice, play Bukayo Saka on the right, with Phil Foden just inside him in the Martin Odegaard 8 position. Foden has played here to success for Manchester City and looked dangerous when he drifted into this position against Denmark.
Jude Bellingham is then in the left hand 8. Again a position he has played for Real Madrid. Bellingham is also comfortable on the left wing which create some fluidity as the winger pushes forward.
And then Ollie Watkins in the left.
Kane is still very good creator when he does drop deep, but he relies on once in behind. Son, Sane, Gnabry, etc.
In my mind it is simple. When Kane drops deep, dragging a central defender with him, Watkins makes the “Son run” from out to in looking to exploit the space left by Kane and get on the flick on. And to avoid congestion, Bellingham pushes further left.
You then play Trent at right back, who can then play those switch balls to Watkins whose pace and power will allow him to dominate the opposing full back.
Trent will also play inverted – similar to Zinchenko and providing the extra man in midfield.
Alternatively, you play Kyle Walker as right back, and then it is John Stones who steps into midfield with Walker plying narrower. Like what Man City do.
It really is this easy. But instead Southgate will probably stay stubborn, look to go 1-nil up and then try and sit on it for 80 minutes.
Going defensive early has cost England everytime we have led a big game under Southgate. It clearly does not work.
Meanwhile, watching Spain against Italy, the Spanish went 1-nil up and continued to attack. Look for a second. They looked electric.
Next game is Monday. If Southgate lines up the same way again he deserves to go if we don’t win. Give another manager a chance with this very talented group of players.
Enjoy your Friday
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 