England – Germany: England With Questions To Answer Despite Comeback (3-3)

England benefited in this game from an opponent that offered them more space to attack into, although that did not stop Germany from outplaying their midfield in the first half. In a chaotic second half, Gareth Southgate’s side were eventually able to rescue a result after going 2-0 down, but plenty of questions still remain about this team ahead of the World Cup.
Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Friday night’s 1-0 defeat against Italy put more scrutiny on Gareth Southgate’s England side as it sealed their Nations League relegation and prompted plenty of questions around Southgate’s tactical setup going into the World Cup.

Any England fans hoping for significant changes in personnel or arrangement going into this match against Germany would have been disappointed, as England lined up once again in their 3-4-3 system. There were just two personnel changes, with John Stones coming into the back three, while Luke Shaw replaced Bukayo Saka at wing-back.

Germany also lost 1-0 last time out as they were beaten by group leaders Hungary. Hansi Flick’s side lined up here in a 4-2-3-1 system with Kai Havertz supported in attack by the trio of Jonas Hofmann, Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané. İlkay Gündoğan and Joshua Kimmich were the double pivot in front of a back four of Thilo Kehrer, Niklas Süle, Nico Schlotterbeck, and David Raum.

Same strategy, different match
England’s low-risk strategic approach saw them struggle to break down Italy last time out, in a . . .