[ad_1]
TRYING to keep England's rhythm regained is a nightmare for the defense.
With Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson-Odoi joining Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford, Gareth Southgate now has a scary speed across the group.
Defending against the rhythm is one of the most difficult things to manage, with positioning and communication at the rendezvous.
As a rearman, the first thing to do is to make sure you are tense when they receive the ball.
The last thing you want is someone with the pace and skills of a Sancho or Hudson – Odoi turning and running towards you.
If you can be sure that the first contact is back, then the goal is half won.
But if you are too deep or cover too much inside, and have time to turn around and dribble, you have real problems.
But the communication must be perfectly focused, because if you are too tight, the ball will be played over your head and you will be out of position.
In order to push safely, you need your back center sweeping the area behind.
Another way to undo the threats posed by England's extended players is to take the lead in an attempt to repel them.
Nowadays, many of the best side defenders play almost like wingers.
If the winger does not follow you, you find yourself in a dilemma, but that's where communication is essential for coverage.
Speedy Lions Cubs are going to be real predators
And if they go back, then it's great, because they will probably be in their own half to receive the ball.
Southgate has opted for a 4-3-3 since the World Cup. His beauty lies in the fact that he can now play in possession of the ball or in counterattack.
In their big win in Spain in October, Harry Kane played centrally with Sterling and Rashford on both sides.
Kane dropped deeply to create a space to exploit for these two, causing all kinds of problems.
And with Sancho and Hudson-Odoi now involved, England has a more sincere pace in the team than for a long time.
It's really an exciting time for England and there is a real sense of well-being after reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Declan Rice will also add a huge amount to this side.
Yes, he is excellent in defense. He made more tackles and interceptions than any other midfielder under 21 in the top five European leagues.
But what impresses me the most is that it does not take the easy option with the ball.
He is always looking forward. With the pace of England, Rice can put them immediately ahead.
[ad_2]
Source link