England vs. Colombia, 2018 World Cup: The performance decline raises a question about Gareth Southgate's tactics

England finally ended its appalling run in the penalty shoot-out with its second-round win over Colombia, but a dramatic drop in performance towards the end of normal time raises a question about tactical ability Gareth Southgate to tactically influence the matches. Jose Pekerman made a surprise with his team selection. Having already used a 4-2-3-1 and experienced with a 4-3-3 at the training, this was actually more of a diamond midfielder. With James Rodriguez on the outside, Juan Quintero played number 10, with Radamel Falcao in the lead on the left, and Juan Cuadrado in front right. Quintero pushed forward the central defenders of England three against three, but Pekerman's approach was essentially to keep things tight in deeper positions, and to guard against the midst of English land

. and too physical deal. The English fins, Kieran Trippier and Ashley Young, were often free for a game change, but were not found particularly quickly. When they received possession, they were closed by the Colombian duo Santiago Arias and Johan Mojica, forced to push up. This paved the way for British attackers in wider areas, but Davinson Sanchez's quick central partnership with Yerry Mina with Colombia was able to cover those areas.

As in the first two matches of this tournament in England, their most creative option was Trippier's right-back, which argues for the title of best right defender of this competition. It was the center of Trippier who found Harry Kane at the front post in the early rounds, with the England captain above the bar, and shortly before halftime, Raheem Sterling had a half-opportunity at the first post. Trippier also experienced England 's best attempt in the first period from a free kick, opened the scoring and then created a great opportunity for Harry Maguire during a set – set, and played a nice ball for substitute Jamie Vardy. He finally created five chances, more than anyone else on the field.

Things went on in the same vein after half-time, until Kane was hoisted ground and stepped up to convert the most typical shot. goal of the England World Cup campaign, which was particularly focused on corners and penalties. The advance of a goal from England forced Pekerman to reshape. He immediately introduced a second striker, Carlos Bacca, and Colombia stopped fleeing and whining, relying on their technical quality.

Pekerman switched to a 3-5-2 system, which appeared to be a pre-established plan B because Colombia reorganized itself quickly and efficiently, Mojica and Cuadrado moving in rear wing positions, forcing their counterparts to return Trippier and Ashley Young, before forcing an intense pressure spell. The two wingers dangerously cashed in the box and Colombia's pressure was finally enough to allow Mina to tie in the third period in three games.

England struggled to cope with Plan B. Introducing some defense protection in the form of Eric Dier, on for Dele Alli, with Jordan Henderson pushed into a more advanced role. Dier, however, had difficulty getting up to speed and lacked mobility and possession. The English oscillation, in the final stages of regulation time and the first part of the additional time, coincided perfectly with the period when Dier was deployed in front of the defense.

Two tactical changes however helped England to stabilize the game. Pekerman surprisingly moved from 3-5-2 to over a 4-4-2, and suddenly England has less troubled by crosses. Southgate, meanwhile, introduced Marcus Rashford to Kyle Walker, which meant Dier fall in defense and Henderson resume his role as midfielder. For the last 10 minutes of overtime, England has once again taken control. The penalty shoot-out, with Henderson almost the villain and Dier the eventual hero, was something of a bad reflection on their performance in the game itself.

Southgate will surely pbad the next two days to evaluate England's performance towards the end of normal time and early extra time, when Pekerman's changes gave the initiative to Colombia. England is struggling to find solutions, players or managers, and while they are in the quarterfinals safely, they must learn to face the storm if they want to lift the World Cup.

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