How England Can Win EURO 2024?

By SoccerSat Team

England have won five out of six matches since their 2022 World Cup quarterfinal defeat to France last December. However, Gareth Southgate's side still faces questions about their style of play, despite reaching the final of the AO and a World Cup semi-final. During his tenure, England has not won any major international honours. However, under Southgate's leadership, they have the potential to win a major trophy.

This text will break down the tactics, data, and personnel behind the current England side and explain how they could achieve this. Southgate has used a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 formation since the start of the 2022 World Cup, dropping the three at the back. The system was often criticised for its defensive approach following a dreadful Nations League tournament. England aims to hold most of the possession within this formation. Declan Rice sits as the main pivot player, and Kyle Walker joins the other two centre-backs to create a lopsided three at the back. The left-back and the second midfielder push on into more attacking areas to stretch the play.

The opponent's back line can be overloaded, but Kyle Walker often makes runs from right centre back to join the last line of attack and be the spare man on the far post. Crucially, the change of shape gives Jude Bellingham the freedom to break forward instead of using him as a deeper midfielder in a 343. Bellingham now has a similar role for his country as he does for his club, Real Madrid, playing directly behind the number. The team's main focus is arriving late in the box and scoring goals. This strategy works well with Harry Kane's movements, as he often drops deep to pass to the runners ahead of him. Not only does Bellingham benefit from Kane's style of play, but Kyle Saka has also reaped the rewards. Southgate wants Saka to hold the width, which means he is always as wide as possible.

Therefore, he is always open to switching play. Once he receives the ball in wider areas and is one-on-one, he excels at finding crosses into the box or picking out the far corner of the net with his left foot. Does the data support the idea that England has improved since switching to a four-man defence? From England's first Nations League game against Hungary to their last World Cup game against France, the answer is yes.

In the last 11 games, Gates' men conceded 14 goals, more than any other top nation in this period. However, in the six games they've played since then, England has only conceded three goals. More impressively, as a team, they have faced just two shots on target in those games. Does this mean that England is becoming a more defensive outfit? No, in fact, they've scored 19 goals since the World Cup, which is more than they managed in the 11 games stemming from the Nations League opener. Criticism of Gareth Southgate during his time as England manager has often centred around his squad and starting 11 selections. There is a perception that Southgate favours players who performed well under him, regardless of their club form. Players such as James W Prowse, Ezri Konsa, Anthony Gordon, and Nick Pope have all been overlooked in recent squad selections.

Despite playing better than others who were called up, England fans are frustrated that some players are not given a chance. Fans worry that young players may never get their shot due to Southgate's team selection. However, with a number of top talents coming through the ranks, there is a sense that England cannot fail. Southgate should consider giving more opportunities to deserving players.

Some fans believe that building a great culture is enough to keep the team happy, but others argue that England are tactically behind other top nations and lack a clear identity or playing style. Do you think England has recently improved and is showing promise to win a major international trophy, or do you think it's time for a change in management to make the most of the current situation?