England – Slovenia: Conceptual Improvement Amid Snoozefest (0-0)
England were once again unable to demonstrate an ability to create chances against a compact defensive shape in this match where they dominated possession and territory. However, Gareth Southgate’s systemic tweak did at least show some subtle signs of improvement.
This tactical preview has been written by Josh Manley.
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England’s performance last time out against Denmark saw them regress even further compared to the already underwhelming display against Serbia. There were clamours in the media and public discussion for Gareth Southgate to make various personnel changes, but the biggest problem was on a strategic and tactical level, where the defending had been overly passive, and the attack lacking any kind of cohesion.
In the end, Southgate made just one change from the team that faced Denmark, with Conor Gallagher replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield. England lined up in a 4-3-3 system then, with a back four of Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Kieran Trippier. Declan Rice, Gallagher, and Jude Bellingham were the midfield three, while Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, and Phil Foden were the forwards.
Slovenia arrived into this game having drawn both their previous outings in the group. They lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with a back four of Žan Karničnik, Vanja Drkušić, Jaka Bijol, and Erik Janža. Adam Gnezda Čerin and Timi Max Elšnik partnered in central midfield, with Petar Stojanović and Jan Mlakar wide. Andraž Šporar started up front alongside star man Benjamin Šeško.
Southgate’s subtle change
At World Cup 2022, Southgate made a change of formation after struggling to break down the USA in their second group game. He switched from a 4-2-3-1 system to a 4-3-3 system, bringing Jordan Henderson into the side for Mason Mount, leading to improvements in England’s play. After the poor performance last time out, Southgate attempted a similar adjustment here.
The difference between a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system may seem subtle. After all, formations are just numbers on paper. Sometimes a 4-2-3-1 system can end up temporarily looking like a 4-3-3 shape anyway, or vice versa. This actually happened in England’s first game against Serbia.
What really matters are the interactions on the pitch. It seems clear that Southgate has historically struggled to coach his team in a 4-2-3-1 shape, while some of England’s better performances in recent years have occurred in 4-3-3 systems. This is because, conceptually, Southgate coaches these two systems in quite a different way.
The role of Jude Bellingham was probably the most defining difference in this game against Slovenia. Whereas previously Bellingham had played across the pitch as a number ten, he was now a left central midfielder, acting more clearly in a group-tactical manner with Trippier and Foden.
England’s 4-3-3 shape offered some subtle improvements from the last game, but still had problems creating chances.
These group-tactical interactions in wide areas are a defining feature of Southgate’s 4-3-3 systems. There is a focus on the rotations between fullback, central midfielder, and winger on each side. This was seen on England’s left side, with Bellingham often drifting out into wider areas while Foden moved inside. Whether this is a good integration for Bellingham can be debated. On the one hand, taking him out of the center may reduce his influence in the game. On the other hand, he may find more space out wide, can attack the back post on crosses, and can beat a player one-versus-one.
On the right side, things were a little less flexible, as Walker often indented to form a back three with Stones and Guéhi. Saka’s most obvious integration was therefore to hug the touchline, where he has been one of England’s better players in the tournament so far. This left Gallagher to provide the presence in the right halfspace, primarily between the lines, but occasionally dropping back closer to Rice to aid ball circulation.
Overall, England’s altered possession shape led to some small improvements in their play. There was now slightly more clarity in terms of how to attack through wing-play thanks to their rotations. Positionally, the approach was more sound, with more consistent occupation of the halfspaces.
The performance still had clear need for improvement though, as evidenced by the lack of chances created. The attacking movements were still not quite good enough, especially for providing a threat in behind the defense. The left back position also continues to be a problem, although the interaction with Bellingham and Foden did help Trippier somewhat.
Higher pressing, personnel considerations
This game also saw England pushing the defensive line up and pressing a bit higher than in the previous games. Often, they transitioned into a temporary 4-4-2 shape when pressing, as Bellingham often pushed up alongside Kane in order to pressure the Slovenian center-backs.
The midfield were more proactive in jumping forward to support the press than in previous matches, and this helped England with some quicker regains. Of course, the true test for England’s pressing will be seen when England face elite opposition.
Going into the second half, Southgate decided to bring Kobbie Mainoo into the midfield for Gallagher. The right central midfield position continues to be a dilemma for Southgate, with Gallagher providing plenty of energy in pressing, but lacking the playmaking ability of the other players competing for this position.
Mainoo’s technical prowess in small spaces and his intelligence in combining with teammates makes him an interesting option for this role. This was shown in glimpses in this game, where he was able to have some promising interactions with the likes of Saka, Bellingham, and Kane, as well as Foden occasionally drifting over, although nothing concrete came out of these in terms of chance creation.
England had plenty of u-shaped circulation here. Bellingham’s presence on the left side also reflects in the passmap.
Cole Palmer also made an appearance in place of Saka in the second half, answering the calls of many fans who had clamoured for him to get minutes in this game. Saka’s wing play has probably been England’s biggest attacking threat so far in the tournament however, so this was just a change to rest Saka for the knockout stages.
Overall, the game was an uneventful affair that saw England dominating possession against a compact 4-4-2 block from Slovenia. In the end, England’s attacking play in the final third was not sharp enough to make a breakthrough, and the game ended in a goalless draw. This turned out to be enough to win the group for England, who now await their first knockout round opponents.
Takeaways
England showed some slight tactical improvements in their possession play with Southgate switching back to a previously successful system, but were still ultimately bad at attacking. The Three Lions have managed to end up in the opposite side of the draw to the likes of Spain, Germany, and Portugal, but will still need to show improvement in order to go far in this tournament.
Slovenia gave a solid display, as they have done throughout the tournament, defending in a compact manner and giving up few chances. Due to the draw in the other Group C match between Denmark and Serbia, this point has earned Slovenia a place in the knockout rounds via third place ranking.
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