Four matches, four clean sheets and three victories later, England are in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.
Gareth Southgate’s men played with the heart of the Three Lions, but the cunning three foxes against Germany frustrated Wembley visitors and then killed them with two late goals.
Of course, there were moments that sank in England’s favor, but it was the luck that this group of players deserved on a fantastic Tuesday night in London. While supporters will continue to bask in the glory of a victory over a major nation in the knockout rounds of an international competition, players will turn their attention to Saturday night in Rome.
England travel to the Italian capital to face Ukraine in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals, with the exciting prospect of returning to Wembley for a semi-final match against Denmark or the Czech Republic at stake – provided they get the job done at the Stadio Olimpico, that is.
So, what have we learned so far about this current England page, and have they shown us enough to suggest they can go all the way?
“If I choose that team and we do not win, I am dead.”
The fact that Southgate is aware of the backlash that each decision receives, tells how heavily criticized his quiet impressive work is.
For many, who just do not accept that he has England on the right track, he is a boring dinosaur or an FA ‘Yes Man’, and they refuse to hear anything else.
I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but Southgate is the opposite of a “Yes Man” – because he refuses to bow to the will of the media and online haters who demand attacking, free-flowing football.
Southgate will do it their way, and so far it’s a winning way. So it’s time for us to start listening to the man in charge. He has a plan and he knows best.
Special night. Special team. Special performances throughout the field. ✨ pic.twitter.com/wCkOu6b9vx
– England (@England) 30 June 2021
Although this tournament has been full of goals and drama, most of these talk points have come into play excluding England. The Three Lions have only scored four goals in four games, and there has been a lack of creativity for 360 minutes.
Guess what, though? England are still in the tournament and remain the only team not to have conceded a goal so far. The “cautious” approach (including three flying forward and two wingbacks) suited England down to the ground against Germany, and they have been just as solid with the back four.
England have risen just above the level of their rivals in every match and found a way to knock out the win without using too much energy. It may not be pretty, but if that was your first thought when the last whistle blew on Tuesday, football may not be the sport for you.
Left side on lock?
Great performance, @ LukeShaw23! ? pic.twitter.com/aGussCwzN2
– England (@England) 29 June 2021
We need to review the defensive equity ratio. Not enough has been done by the four clean sheets that England have secured in four matches, as well as the lack of chances they have given away.
Thomas Mullers shocking one-on-one miss aside, this has been as miserable as we have seen any international team, and when they are so close and well protected it is hard to see them delivering any goals.
If you do not give in, you do not lose, and the desire to limit opponents and pinch games with a single goal or two should be applauded.
What a feeling!!! ???????
Many thanks to all the fans both at the stadium and at home for all the support. Let’s keep pace. ??? @ england #england pic.twitter.com/m3OScb2ZDK
– Kyle Walker (@ kylewalker2) June 29, 2021
What was particularly impressive about England’s 2-0 victory over Germany was how quickly they adapted to the system change. Southgate has moved away from five at the back of late, and when he has played with it, the three lions have never really dazzled.
So it was a big challenge to adopt that strategy for a knockout match with one of Europe’s giants, but the players made him proud. Kyle Walker appeared on the right side of a back three, while Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw expertly marched the flanks.
Germany’s main threat in the group stage came from the left flank, and mainly Robin Gosens, but the Atalanta man did not have a sniff against Trippier’s ruthless defensive work.
That step of working under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid has made him a world of good.
Colossal. ? pic.twitter.com/Ia3iYgGoAO
– England (@England) 29 June 2021
Although England kept two clean sheets in Harry Maguire’s absence during the first pair in the group stage, they have looked much safer since returning to the defense.
The Manchester United captain is an excellent defender, and he showed that in his Star of the Match performance against Germany at Wembley. His reading of the game was exceptional, his magnetic attraction to high balls into the box was eerie and his authority gave a genuine calm among his teammates.
The biggest difference, however, has come in his ability on the ball. In Maguire, England have almost a third central midfielder when they play two in the middle, as he can take the ball out of the defense with such ease.
His passing area is exquisite, and his physical strength allows him to load into the middle of the pitch and propel England forward. It’s an invaluable skill to brag about in your team, and one that the three lions can not afford to lose later in the tournament.
The right kind of noise, our fans ❤️ # BoyFromBrent pic.twitter.com/zkEBGsfWQI
– Raheem Sterling (@ sterling7) June 29, 2021
Southgate deserves praise for bringing Maguire back on time, but he should also be commended for his handling of Jordan Pickford and Raheem Sterling.
Many would have preferred that Nick Pope started between the clubs this summer, while Sterling has been a lightning rod for criticism since he failed to score at the 2018 World Cup.
The England boss has maintained confidence in both stars, and he and the nation are now reaping the rewards. Pickford is yet to be beaten and has made huge saves at crucial moments in at least two games.
Sterling, on the other hand, was the only player to score for the Three Lions until Harry Kane broke his duck for 86 minutes in the campaign’s fourth match. Enough said.
Super @JackGrealish! ? pic.twitter.com/llY3zwsKBO
– England (@England) 29 June 2021
One of the hottest topics of the summer has been the inclusion of (or lack of) Jack Grealish in the starting line. The Aston Villa star is the most creative force in this England squad, and the reception he received when he left the bench against Germany told you everything you need to know.
The country loves him – and so do his teammates. His arrival gave everyone around him a huge lift. Shaw was able to overlap more effectively on the outside, and Kane received some genuine service, from which he killed the game.
In the end, Southgate played his cards to perfection, which led to Grealish to influence the game and that he did. But when he gives the audience and his colleagues so much lift, it is difficult to see that he will be left out against Ukraine on Saturday.
Lead us to glory, Jacky!
Soak in the fantastic @ wembleystadium atmosphere.
Love this, @HKane! ? pic.twitter.com/IB6Td8eG2d
– England (@England) 29 June 2021
Finally, a special word for the captain. Kane has struggled to get into matches for England this summer, and many thought he should have switched to Germany.
However, the Tottenham Hotspur man continued to join and received his reward. The handsome head booked England’s place in the last eight and gave him a very important confidence to take to Rome.
When Kane starts to score, he has a hard time stopping. Let’s hope he’s exploding in the next three games.
