Ten Conclusions from England Vs Belgium
A goal from Danny Welbeck’s gave England a 1-0 victory over Belgium in their final warm-up game before the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.
England are nine days away from their opening game, but what exactly did their performance demonstrate…
England are nine days away from their opening game, but what exactly did their performance demonstrate…
- It wasn't spectacular or pleasing on the eye, but England will head off to Euro 2012 with a blueprint to victory, particularly in their first game. Belgium enjoyed 59% of possession in the game at Wembley, and it was a good test of England’s defensive unit as they build up to facing a French team who play with just one front man and do their utmost to keep the ball for large periods of the game.
- Ashley Young is likely to be England’s talisman in the opening two games of the tournament. He has started from a slightly withdrawn as he did against Norway in Oslo, but back on home soil against Belgium it seemed as though he was operating more as a forward than a ‘number ten’. The irony is that if Young impresses against France and Sweden, he may lose his position in the third game when Wayne Rooney returns. Young’s play has helped get the most out of Andy Carroll last Saturday, and this week he set up Danny Welbeck’s goal. If the Manchester United forward can help provide service for his team mates then Rooney may be able to slot back into the team to add an extra scoring option.
Young’s position change isn't necessarily a bad thing for the team though as his play from the left or right of midfield has been more decisive and consistent than that of Downing, Walcott or Milner throughout the season. Wherever he is involved expect Young to have a fantastic influence on his national team’s performance.
- The 4-4-1-1 formation that Hodgson employed in the last two friendly games has certainly been a declaration of intent. The system, rarely employed by Fabio Capello, has made England a more resolute defensive unit, and makes them more difficult to break down. In the mould that Hodgson’s West Brom team, England packed the midfielder and employing just a single front man. Hodgson will have been delighted that his team have kept two clean sheets and been solid rather than spectacular in their two victories.
- With regard to the formation, it works well when England was winning the games, but is it interchangeable with any other when the Three Lions are on the back foot during the Championships? We saw yesterday how Belgium dominated possession, and how England survived mainly on the counter attack. Inviting pressure can be a dangerous game to play against oppositions (no disrespect to England’s two friendly opponents) who have greater attacking threats. If Hodgson’s men go 2-0 down early on against France is there any opportunity to salvage the game when so many of the team’s resources are deployed defensively?
- Gerrard’s role in England’s two victories has ironically been in a relatively similar role that Sven Goran-Eriksson tried to deploy him with little success at the 2006 World Cup. Although six years removed as with fewer injuries clocked up most argued that Gerrard was England’s most influential player and was being marginalised by playing in such a deep position. In Hodgson’s system both he and Parker spend most of the game screening the defensive unit. In the absence of Barry, Wilshire or Lampard (who played that role for Chelsea this season) the England manager is left with no choice but to deploy his captain in that position and hope that he can push forward as much as possible when England are on the front foot.
- Oxlade-Chamberlain’s performance could have been dramatically changed had he not have slipped on the edge of the box after being set up by James Milner. The Arsenal midfielder lost his footing on a clear scoring opportunity and skied the ball over the bar in a position where you would normally expect an assured touch. The young midfielder looked understandably nervous in the opening fifteen minutes, and when he eventually found his flow in the game, there were not many opportunities to use his pace and direct running in the final third of the pitch. Presumably a choice made to acclimate him to the rigors and requirements of international football, it would not be a surprise if Oxlade-Chamberlain was used mainly as an impact player during the championships.
- For many years the lack of a ‘Plan B’ has been used as a stick to beat England with, but heading into the Euros it seems as though whether by luck or design Hodgson has plenty of options from the bench. Reports suggest that Carroll will start against France, but if things don't quite go as the England coach plans then an exciting array of options lie in wait on the subs bench. Oxlade-Chamberlain (for the reasons discussed above), Walcott, Defoe and one of Welbeck/Carroll will be at his disposal.
Each one of those players change the dynamic of the game and give England a chance to drag themselves out of any situation that their starting team may have got them into.
- Wayne Rooney’s much-needed cameo during the final twenty-five minutes inadvertently highlighted a question over the striker’s readiness to participate against Ukraine following his two game ban. Undoubtedly England’s most creative forward player, and a talisman figure who burst onto the stage at Euro 2004, Rooney’s suspension means that it will be at least fourteen days before the striker can be thrust into action against the Ukraine. His touch was slightly heavy and his influence was on the periphery of game during his Wembley appearance, something which may be a worry for England fans who presume that Rooney’s presence will instantly improve the team’s fortunes.
It seems to be taken for granted that England will be able to adjust to Rooney’s absence, but what about the reinjection of the striker back into the England team for their final group game?
- Despite keeping two clean sheets in two games, their defensive unit hardly inspires the confidence that they can do the same in any of their group stages games. Hart and Cole after perhaps England’s two biggest plusses at the back, but the remaining members certainly pose some questions. Terry, who played well against Belgium, was out jumped on several occasions by Fellaini, and it is common knowledge that he has a significant vulnerability to pace after previous moments of uncertainty in an England shirt.
The identity of Terry’s partner has not yet been decided and with Cahill now ruled out through injury it is not yet known whether Jagielka or Lescott will fill the void. Presumable after appearing following Cahill’s departure it will be Lescott, but the Manchester City defender has hardly been in stellar form (almost single handedly awarding Manchester United the title in the final game of the season.)
At right back, the absence of Glen Johnson has only made us grow fonder of the Liverpool full back as Phil Jones proved against Norway that he’s not quite ready to play as an international defender at the highest level.
France’s creative talents must be salivating about the prospect of facing such a vulnerable defensive unit.
- When England’s squad was first released, there was much discussion that it did very little to ‘inspire’ confidence that this was a team that could win the tournament. Although these two friendlies have done little to lift the malaise surrounding England’s chances, nothing quite breeds confidence like victories. Winning is a habit that it’s hard to gain at any level, and the boost of a new manager coming in with fresh ideas is likely to have helped England rather than hinder them. By no means is this article suggesting putting your life savings on England’s chances of winning the competition, but entering with slightly less hype than usual probably mean England have a greater chance than at any recent major tournament.
- Ashley Young is likely to be England’s talisman in the opening two games of the tournament. He has started from a slightly withdrawn as he did against Norway in Oslo, but back on home soil against Belgium it seemed as though he was operating more as a forward than a ‘number ten’. The irony is that if Young impresses against France and Sweden, he may lose his position in the third game when Wayne Rooney returns. Young’s play has helped get the most out of Andy Carroll last Saturday, and this week he set up Danny Welbeck’s goal. If the Manchester United forward can help provide service for his team mates then Rooney may be able to slot back into the team to add an extra scoring option.
Young’s position change isn't necessarily a bad thing for the team though as his play from the left or right of midfield has been more decisive and consistent than that of Downing, Walcott or Milner throughout the season. Wherever he is involved expect Young to have a fantastic influence on his national team’s performance.
- The 4-4-1-1 formation that Hodgson employed in the last two friendly games has certainly been a declaration of intent. The system, rarely employed by Fabio Capello, has made England a more resolute defensive unit, and makes them more difficult to break down. In the mould that Hodgson’s West Brom team, England packed the midfielder and employing just a single front man. Hodgson will have been delighted that his team have kept two clean sheets and been solid rather than spectacular in their two victories.
- With regard to the formation, it works well when England was winning the games, but is it interchangeable with any other when the Three Lions are on the back foot during the Championships? We saw yesterday how Belgium dominated possession, and how England survived mainly on the counter attack. Inviting pressure can be a dangerous game to play against oppositions (no disrespect to England’s two friendly opponents) who have greater attacking threats. If Hodgson’s men go 2-0 down early on against France is there any opportunity to salvage the game when so many of the team’s resources are deployed defensively?
- Gerrard’s role in England’s two victories has ironically been in a relatively similar role that Sven Goran-Eriksson tried to deploy him with little success at the 2006 World Cup. Although six years removed as with fewer injuries clocked up most argued that Gerrard was England’s most influential player and was being marginalised by playing in such a deep position. In Hodgson’s system both he and Parker spend most of the game screening the defensive unit. In the absence of Barry, Wilshire or Lampard (who played that role for Chelsea this season) the England manager is left with no choice but to deploy his captain in that position and hope that he can push forward as much as possible when England are on the front foot.
- Oxlade-Chamberlain’s performance could have been dramatically changed had he not have slipped on the edge of the box after being set up by James Milner. The Arsenal midfielder lost his footing on a clear scoring opportunity and skied the ball over the bar in a position where you would normally expect an assured touch. The young midfielder looked understandably nervous in the opening fifteen minutes, and when he eventually found his flow in the game, there were not many opportunities to use his pace and direct running in the final third of the pitch. Presumably a choice made to acclimate him to the rigors and requirements of international football, it would not be a surprise if Oxlade-Chamberlain was used mainly as an impact player during the championships.
- For many years the lack of a ‘Plan B’ has been used as a stick to beat England with, but heading into the Euros it seems as though whether by luck or design Hodgson has plenty of options from the bench. Reports suggest that Carroll will start against France, but if things don't quite go as the England coach plans then an exciting array of options lie in wait on the subs bench. Oxlade-Chamberlain (for the reasons discussed above), Walcott, Defoe and one of Welbeck/Carroll will be at his disposal.
Each one of those players change the dynamic of the game and give England a chance to drag themselves out of any situation that their starting team may have got them into.
- Wayne Rooney’s much-needed cameo during the final twenty-five minutes inadvertently highlighted a question over the striker’s readiness to participate against Ukraine following his two game ban. Undoubtedly England’s most creative forward player, and a talisman figure who burst onto the stage at Euro 2004, Rooney’s suspension means that it will be at least fourteen days before the striker can be thrust into action against the Ukraine. His touch was slightly heavy and his influence was on the periphery of game during his Wembley appearance, something which may be a worry for England fans who presume that Rooney’s presence will instantly improve the team’s fortunes.
It seems to be taken for granted that England will be able to adjust to Rooney’s absence, but what about the reinjection of the striker back into the England team for their final group game?
- Despite keeping two clean sheets in two games, their defensive unit hardly inspires the confidence that they can do the same in any of their group stages games. Hart and Cole after perhaps England’s two biggest plusses at the back, but the remaining members certainly pose some questions. Terry, who played well against Belgium, was out jumped on several occasions by Fellaini, and it is common knowledge that he has a significant vulnerability to pace after previous moments of uncertainty in an England shirt.
The identity of Terry’s partner has not yet been decided and with Cahill now ruled out through injury it is not yet known whether Jagielka or Lescott will fill the void. Presumable after appearing following Cahill’s departure it will be Lescott, but the Manchester City defender has hardly been in stellar form (almost single handedly awarding Manchester United the title in the final game of the season.)
At right back, the absence of Glen Johnson has only made us grow fonder of the Liverpool full back as Phil Jones proved against Norway that he’s not quite ready to play as an international defender at the highest level.
France’s creative talents must be salivating about the prospect of facing such a vulnerable defensive unit.
- When England’s squad was first released, there was much discussion that it did very little to ‘inspire’ confidence that this was a team that could win the tournament. Although these two friendlies have done little to lift the malaise surrounding England’s chances, nothing quite breeds confidence like victories. Winning is a habit that it’s hard to gain at any level, and the boost of a new manager coming in with fresh ideas is likely to have helped England rather than hinder them. By no means is this article suggesting putting your life savings on England’s chances of winning the competition, but entering with slightly less hype than usual probably mean England have a greater chance than at any recent major tournament.