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HOW CAN THEY BRING IT HOME?

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English fans have already started celebrating, singing tunes of It’s coming home as their Three Lions prepare to take on Denmark in the semi-finals in Wembley. Many who were tipped to be in this place have been pushed aside and Denmark’s performance so far has been more than commendable. England, contrary to popular belief were one of the most solid sides in the competition. Italy’s resilience has helped them reach the final and it is all up to England to confirm the ticket to the finals.

 

 

The Danish Dynamites have been phenomenal to watch. Their performances have been fresh and unique from the rest of the teams. Tactically versatile and filled with exuberance, they bullied and harried their way to the finals. They have gained the hearts of fans around the world and will have tremendous support going into the fixture. However, England will be confident that they can brush aside any obstacle put in their path. This time they are ready to bring it home. As England edge ever closer to their first major final in 55 years.

 

 

Gareth Southgate’s men have not conceded a single goal in the competition so far, a feat unparalleled in the campaign. Even the well-versed Italians have lost their way, but not this English side. With all the attacking quality and flair, it is surprising that England took the name for their defence. Heavy criticism over Southgate’s selection has loomed large but it has worked wonders so far. History has always favoured defensive sides and Southgate has gone on to back that notion.

 

 

In all fairness, England has had an easy run of fixtures so far in the competition. Their toughest opponents were Germany in the round of 16, one they swerved past with ease. They will need to play at their highest level if they hope to bring it home! FootTheBall Breaks down England’s plausible game-plan ahead of the fixture against Denmark.

DEFENSIVE SOLIDARITY

The only game where England had ten attempts or more in a game was against Ukraine in the quarter-finals. This English side, even with all its attacking threat and creative spark is a team that plays lacklustre football. They are not set up to score, rather they are set up to prevent their opponent from doing so.

 

 

England is comfortable with and without possession. They failed to dominate possession by well-defined margins in almost every match in this campaign. Even against Ukraine, a match where they scored four goals, they only had 52 per cent of the ball. Unwilling to risk their defensive solidarity, the English side has blatantly defended their way through matches. Relying heavily on their attacking talents to find them the goals they need to progress.

 

Defending does have its perks, although it can be frustrating to watch. The German attacking artillery had no clue how to penetrate the rock-solid English defence. Southgate switched to a back three to further strengthen their central defence and it worked a charm. By doing so, they negated the impact of Germany’s brilliant wing-backs who are the instigators from the far flanks. The central runs of the Germans had no space and time and so most of Germany’s attack ended in awkward wayward loose balls.

Denmark will likely face the same defensive treatment in Wembley. Pickford has been instrumental in the clean sheets and will once again need to be on his toes against a free-scoring Denmark side. Last time England reached a final it was Gordon Banks in goal, whose clean sheet record is almost in the grasp of the Everton number 1.

A CRITICISED ATTACKING UNIT

England’s first four matches witnessed just four goals. The chance creation in these matches was below the expectations of the majority as well. But they did get the job done due to some excellent defensive work.

Harry Kane was dismal in his initial matches, failing to even touch the ball near the penalty area at times. There were times when questions on whether he should even start the match were raised. The same went for Raheem Sterling. Even though the Manchester City winger was occupying dangerous positions and despite scoring the winning goals he lacked the cutting edge needed.

 

 

However, things seemed to have changed and it looks like their star forwards have finally found their feet. Both Kane and Sterling scored a goal against the Germans to secure their quarter-final spot. Kane then went on to score a brace against Ukraine while Sterling provided a goal in the match. The two are leading the goal charts for England and will be their main threats going forward.

 

 

Jack Grealish has not been given enough starts but remains one of the best players in the team. He might once again be deployed as an impact substitute to provide the goalscoring opportunity for their adept number 9. Luke Shaw’s presence on the wing has been a blessing, the Manchester United wing-back has created the most chances for his national side so far this campaign.

BREAKING DEMARK DOWN

England will need to be resilient at the back as they have been so far. This is not the time to concede their first goal, especially since they are up against one of the highest-scoring teams in this year’s Euros. England’s rigid backline will be tested by a flexible Denmark attack that has the capability of creating opportunities from even the tightest situations.

 

The biggest task though will be to break down Denmark. If England hopes to sit back and absorb the pressure, the pace of Sterling and Sancho would be beneficial in the counter-attack. They will have to be precise in their movements and accurate in their finishing.

Breaking down Denmark is by no means an easy task. They know how to defend and like their counterparts are flexible in their approach. Be it a back three or a traditional back-four, Denmark knows their duties. Harry Kane and Sterling will need to step up a tad bit more if they aspire to break this defensive unite. Luke Shaw’s presence on the wings will once again be vital in finding the free man in the box. Can England reach their first major final in 55 years? Can the Three Lions finally bring it home?

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