Despite the exploits of Jack Grealish and Harry Kane, Gareth Southgate’s side does not go as planned ahead of the World Cup with personnel issues and formation concerns. Following the 1-1 draw in Germany, we highlight some key talking points.
There are flaws in England, but they are fighting
Despite England’s inexperience, Germany and England played an entertaining 1-1 draw in Munich. With the players dragged around by the defense, the home team set the tempo early on.
England took a setback in the second half when Harry Kane’s goal gave them a lead. However, Southgate changed things from the bench in the second half – something that has not often happened – and England finished stronger. There were flaws in the performance, but there was also a lot of fight.
England’s Kane scores 50 goals
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It was almost unthinkable that Kane would calmly convert the penalty. Minutes remained in Munich, and England’s Nations League hopes could be on the line. The pressure was on, and one of Europe’s most recognizable goalkeepers stood in his way.
Manuel Neuer went the wrong way despite his best intentions, and any difference he made would have been inconsequential. It is impossible to find someone more reliable than Kane when it comes to taking penalties low into the left corner of the net.
He is now just three goals behind England’s record scorer, Wayne Rooney, who scored 51 goals for his country. He will surpass Rooney’s record, and it might not be long before he can do so with two games next week.
Jack Grealish leaves a lasting impression
Southgate’s second change turned the match, as he had waited so long to make it. While Jack Grealish ran and hugged the touchline, another defensive player intercepted a pass inside the penalty box. A shift occurred in momentum as he ran towards the ball.
Other improvements were also made. In the central area, Mason Mount had played little. Still, Raheem Sterling looked more dangerous, and after Jarrod Bowen replaced Bukayo Saka, England was threatening on both flanks. Grealish passes could have led to Kane scoring twice.
In terms of the wide positions, it seems that Foden is still the most obvious choice if fully fit, but Southgate has so many options in the wide areas. He is likely to get further minutes at the weekend, as Grealish argued persuasively here for more minutes.
How should the formation be set up?
This week, Southgate selected a back five to face Hungary and a back four to face Germany to illustrate how easy it is for his team to switch formations. Both performances were not without fault.
Although they were a threat in Munich, England’s back five once again hampered their creativity in Budapest. Germany dominated the first five minutes, and both teams found space between themselves.
He chose five points on the road to Germany against the same opposition at Euro 2020. By switching Saka to the wing-back position, he could have easily made that switch. However, England has to be flexible in its system use, and they still have a lot to learn.
The absence of a natural left-back is regrettable
At least, if Southgate had deployed Saka at left wing-back, England would have had a left-footer on that side they have been lacking as of late. After James Justin played left-back for Hungary, it was Kieran Trippier against Germany.
Ben Johnson has also stepped into the boot for the England U21s, so their absence has been noted, further highlighting the importance of Shaw and Chilwell. A solution will surely be available when it matters if this is a temporary concern. In this case, however, it was a problem.
Goals need to originate from somewhere else
The team’s goals are often dependent on Kane and Sterling, posing a longer-term problem for Southgate. There are two other players in this England squad who have scored more than four goals: Harry Maguire and Wayne Rooney.
“There is no doubt that Raheem and Harry are the cornerstones of our goalscoring,” said Southgate. It took Neuer’s right foot to push Saka’s drive wide in the last minute of the first half.
Grealish needs to score more goals for both club and country, but Foden and Mount are capable players. Is Southgate able to put others in the scoring positions besides Kane? Answering that question will be vital in the coming weeks.
No more excuses for inexperience
After the match, Kane noted that this team had to be ready for the World Cup as soon as possible. It is reasonable to expect the team to be optimistic. Southgate’s starting XI was the oldest he had named – and, with almost 500 caps between them, the most experienced as well.
In the manager’s tenure, which has delivered tournament success unprecedented for the past half-century, there was talk of a new generation emerging, a new team. The key players in this squad are at their peak, but many in the squad still fall under that category.
John Stones, 28, was the youngest defender for England. The star player of the team, Kane, turns 29 next month. The time has come. Using these coming months to resolve the problem is the challenge facing Southgate and his team.
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