England’s grand World Cup adventure came to an end on Wednesday as they lost to Croatia 2-1 in the semi-final after extra-time.
The result meant Gareth Southgate fell just short of becoming the second England manager to lead his side to a World Cup final after Sir Alf Ramsay’s famous winners of 1966.
But,vhe can hold his head high as he prepares his side for the third-place clash against Belgium on Saturday.
Here’s a closer look at England’s semi-final performance.
KEY STATS
Goals – 1
Shots – 11
Shots on target – 2
Possession – 45%
Pass Accuracy – 76%
30-SECOND REPORT
England’s manager didn’t spring any surprises, naming an unchanged side and sticking to his usual 3-4-3 that has served him so well.
His substitutions were fairly formulaic: Marcus Rashford for a tiring Raheem Sterling, like-for-like changes at left-back and midfield – Danny Rose for Ashley Young and Eric Dier for Jordan Henderson – and switching to a 4-3-3 and taking off defender Kyle Walker to bring on striker Jamie Vardy when England were chasing a goal.
Ultimately, however, it was all in vain.
TACTICAL TALKING POINT
Long-ball England
With diminutive midfielders and occasionally shaky defenders, Croatia’s rearguard seem like a unit that could be vulnerable to balls over the top, especially with the high line they can play. England continually exploited that, with the pace of Sterling and Jesse Lingard coupled with the strength of Harry Kane exposing Croatia’s defence. It also allowed England to negate Croatia’s pressing game.
However, although the tactic exposed a seeming weakness in Croatia’s game, ultimately it didn’t pay off.
VERDICT
Southgate had said England could achieve something special, but on the day, they fell short, struggling to impose themselves and own the moment.
What will bother the England manager is how his side didn’t take advantage of their first-half dominance on Wednesday, yet again failing to create enough chances. Apart from their goal they had only one shot on target, and they ceded control after half-time despite having bossed the game before that.
They faded even as a fatigued Croatia rose to the occasion.
RATING – 6/10
