What the statistics say: The kings of England are a threat to everyone in the final – 2018 World Cup – Football

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Before the start of the finals of Russia in 2018, England had not scored a corner at a World Cup since the consolation of Matthew Upson when l & # 39; Germany organized a riot in Bloemfontein.

Fast forward a few weeks, and Gareth Southgate's team is in the last four of the World Cup, four of his 11 goals coming from the corners.

These four goals (two for Harry Kane and one for John Stones and Harry Maguire, in case you're wondering) represent half of the eight goals England has scored up to here. That's 73%.

with his team-mates after scoring the first goal of his team in the quarter-final match between Sweden and England in Samara on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia Getty Images

This figure is the best of all teams scoring more than three goals in Russia with only Australia, Iran and Poland (for whom all their lone two goals in Russia were kicking arrested) able to better England the 32 teams.

Much has been said about the work done by English striker coach Allan Russell, a former fellow striker who has noticed the benefits of kicking during his time as a coach to America.

The American theme also comes back when we consider the inspiration that Southgate itself drew from both the NFL and the NAB. He talked about how he likes to use these sports to give examples of creating space in tight spaces, which is absolutely vital for plays.

Sweden against England – Samara Arena, Samara, Russia – July 7, 2018 England manager Gareth Southgate celebrates its first goal scored by Harry Maguire Reuters

Until now, the work of Russell, Southgate and assistant coach Steve Holland, who was on staff at Chelsea when they were one of the best teams in England. -the pieces, is obvious.

"Love Train", which sees English players lined up in turns, at the ruthless efficiency of the penalty kick, everything has clearly been worked on.

Southgate was open as to the preparation that he wants this team to be and made no secret before the Colombia match that they had practiced penalties.

It shows in the variation of their objectives. Four of the corners, three penalties and a free kick, Ashley Young and Kieran Trippier continue to threaten their performance. In fact, the only thing missing in England is a direct goal on a free kick.

Getty Images

Looking at the semifinals, and England's strength from dead ball situations could be what gives them the advantage.

France (33%), Belgium (29%) and Russia (45%) Croatia (30%) did not really prove to be a gambling specialist until the end of the year. present. Belgium and Croatia, in particular, were dug from an angle with an alarming ease against Brazil and Iceland respectively and you imagine that it would be no different against England. .

Of course, the opposite of any argument like this is that it means that England is not creative enough of open play. It's a fair charge against this England team, but it's clear for most to see that it's a team that continues to grow in the Southgate 3-5-2 system.

This is a positive sign that this management team has worked so diligently to prepare players so rigorously for something so short a time, and also positively how receptive the players have been to their ideas.

In a World Cup that saw 43% of the goals scored by set pieces, England will only improve the game open while the tournament continues and, if they combine that with their threat, so they'll be a match for anybody in the remaining matches …