England v Colombia Player Ratings
How Going To Penalties Could Make England Stronger
As an England fan you are never going to get an easy ride when it comes to a major tournament. For 80 minutes it felt like a one nil result was the absolute worst outcome for England. Against a Colombia side more intent on disruption than anything else, England were comfortable, not spectacular, but at the same time never really troubled.
For me the only real mistake that Southgate has made so far in this World Cup was to bring on Eric Dier for an unfit Deli Alli. Granted Alli was out on his feet and needed to be replaced but for me Loftus-Cheek would have been a better option.
I am not going to steam into Dier, I will just say that for me he has not got the pace or speed of thought to control a game at any stage for England. With his introduction I felt England handed the initiative to Colombia unnecessarily and brought pressure on themselves for the last 10 minutes. This as we know proved to be decisive and in a game where England were rarely troubled.
There is no doubt Dier stepped up and slotted the winning penalty with coolness personified but I hope that doesn’t gloss over other areas.
England Overcome their Penalty Hoodoo
This could be a massive turning point not only for this generation of England players but England in general. Previously, having only won one penalty shootout from 7 major tournament attempts, this was a welcome change in fortunes for England.
The players not carrying previous memories and having Southgate in their corner, would have undoubtedly made a difference. They all stepped up with confidence and albeit Henderson had his penalty saved, I have seen many worse penalties so far in this World Cup.
For this England team, getting through to the Quarter Finals in this manner could actually give them more confidence to go on and perform better. Overcoming demons like this undoubtedly makes you stronger and I think this England team believe that they can beat anyone on their day.
SPORTSvox England Player Ratings
Defensively Sound But Lacking Creativity
We could spend all day talking about the Colombian tactics and how the game deteriorated into a bit of a farce in the second half, but lets focus on England and how they performed overall. As mentioned in the England v Tunisia Player Ratings, England were very solid at the back, comfortable on the ball and coped with the physical test very well.
Stones and Maguire are creating a great understanding between them. Add in the pace of Walker who is key to how England set up with 3 at the back and England were rarely troubled. With another solid performance from Henderson in front of them, it allows the more attacking players to play with a bit more freedom.
Trippier is going from strength to strength each game and deserves to hold down the right wing back position. On the opposite wing however, Ashley Young seems to be struggling to provide the required distribution. A fully fit Rose could well be pushing him for the starting spot against Sweden.
Harry Kane aside, the remaining players all struggled to really establish themselves in the game. Sterling has lots of critics, but I thought his movement and some of his hold up play particularly in the first half was improved.
When looking for that flair, cutting edge creativity in the final third, it wasn’t forthcoming. With only 2 shots on target in the whole game, England will need to create a lot more if they want to progress further. Alli wasn’t 100% fit and Lingard struggled to impose himself on the game.
Sweden will prove a tough nut to crack
Up next is a Saturday afternoon fixture against Sweden for a place in the semi final of the World Cup, for the first time since Italia 90.
The only goals Sweden have conceded so far are the two against Germany. Take a magical Toni Kroos winner out of that as well, you are looking at one goal conceded in 4 games.
Sweden are physical and organised at the back. They may not have the pace around the pitch to trouble England as much as other teams but they are a tough nut to crack.
With that said, most of the England players will be used to playing against this style week in week out in the Premier League. There has never been a better opportunity for an England side to reach the Semi Final of a World Cup. With Southgate at the helm and the young guns gaining in confidence, who knows it could just be coming home after all.
