England have laboured through to Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland thanks to unadventurous opponents, a solid defence and a moment of iconic brilliance from boy-wonder Jude Bellingham, despite lacking an obvious structure or game-plan.
In three insipid group-stage performances and Sunday’s Bellingham- inspired last-16 win over Slovakia, England have appeared fundamentally confused about what kind of team they want to be: do they suffocate the opponent with possession like Spain? Or press high up and use fast transitions like the Austrians?
By the end of the win over Slovakia, they had abandoned any coherent approach beyond chucking the ball into the mixer and hoping for the best.
To be fair to Gareth Southgate, England’s lack of an ingrained national philosophy is an historic problem dating back to time immemorial.
Everyone knows how Spain, Brazil, Italy or the Netherlands are going to play, but what brand of football to expect from England, especially when the chips are down?
Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin July 03, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin July 03, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?
Winning the World Cup is the aim, so the new boss should start now
He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world
This is where the magic happens,\" reads a big neon sign scrawled across the entrance to the offices of arguably the most powerful man in British boxing today.
How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining
After arocky start, the glamorous and infamous restaurant is now an institution
Money is worth less than time'
He's quit Fendi, but what will Kim Jones do next?
London's Roman Amphitheatre
Guildhall Yard, EC2V
Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere
There are many reasons why Donald Trump might have won the election last week.
Do we have to die?
One neuroscientist thinks the answer is no
How to have a magical Christmas in Edinburgh
From cosy cobblestone streets to abundant Yuletide goings-on, few cities rival the Scottish capital in creating Christmas whimsy.
London's best festive restaurants
The social season is upon us once more. These are the city’s most coveted Christmas venues, which need to be booked soon so as to not miss out on the tinsel and tipples.
Rag'n'Bone Man
I struggle with being recognised... I'll never really feel comfortable with it'
