England’s matchup against Belgium was a critical one if the away team were to stand a chance of finishing first in a three-horse race for the top spot. However, Belgium managed to race into a commanding position, against the run of play, before holding onto the lead in their 5-4-1 shape. Tactical analysis by Emmanuel […]
The rematch of the 2016 European Championship final saw the same scoreline but in the other direction, as France rolled to victory on the back of a fluid and composed performance. N’Golo Kanté’s 53rd minute strike proved the difference in a game when both teams had chances, although France were the better side – both […]
After sealing the victory against Belgium on the weekend, England seemed in a prime position to take momentum into their game with Denmark. But after an even start with signs of promise, five minutes saw England lose control and battle to hold onto a slim loss. Tactical analysis by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Recent England games have […]
With both teams flawless in the Nations League thus far, this clash was a matchup between two of the contenders to take the competition altogether. However, while both teams traded blows, neither side’s offensive structure was able to make the breakthrough. Tactical analysis by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. France have begun their Nations League campaign on a […]
A first match-up between 2018’s World Cup semi-finalists should have revealed how far these teams have progressed, now that both managers have had more time in their respective roles. Instead, England and Belgium looked far from completing such a feat, as they both showed glaring issues in their passing structures, shot creation and in-game management. […]
In a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final, France took a win by moments of technical brilliance and intense effective pressing, while they let Croatia dominate possession for significant periods. The guests appeared tactically prepared and ready to take advantage of France’s weaknesses in their experimental 3-4-1-2 formation, but a few mistakes in the […]
Gareth Southgate made the decision to experiment with a 3-4-3 system for this match against Denmark. However, England ran into problems as they struggled to outplay Denmark’s pressing and were lacking in creativity from central midfield. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. Denmark started this Nations League campaign with a defeat against Belgium on […]
Unable to solve tactical questions posed by Italy on the left flank through Lorenzo Insigne and Leonardo Spinazzola, the Netherlands were the worst team for the full ninety minutes. Italy’s smart setup took the home side by surprise and, subsequently, the Netherlands didn’t manage to turn it around with some tactical manoeuvres. Tactical analysis and […]
The matchup between Iceland and England primarily ended up in the home team’s half of the pitch. But from their resolute 4-4-2 defensive shape, the hosts limited their opportunities to few chances despite their control of the ball. However, England pulled through in the final moments, surviving a late scare to seal a successful start […]
Staying defensively compact and making continuous runs without the ball during buildup was not enough for Sweden against a star-studded France team. Efficient high pressing and a solo attempt to beat half the opposition from Mbappé were enough to give Didier Deschamps’ team the three points. Tactical analysis and match report by Thanos Chelas. The start […]