Gareth Southgate’s squad beat Sweden 2-0 to reach semi-finals where they will be clashing with Croatia. This comes as a proud moment for England as the last time that the team made it to the final four in the semi-finals was in Italy 90, 28 years ago. At that time, England had defeated Cameroon 3-2 in the quarter finals, working their way up to a shutdown with West Germany. It was then that after a 1-1 draw, the match went into penalties where England was thrashed.
Marking the second time in two knockout games, Croatia needed a penalty shoot-out to progress to the semi-finals as they kicked hosts Russia out after a 2-2 draw. Croatia stands between England and a World Cup final since their win over Russia in Sochi. Russia was the first to lead with Denis Cheryshev’s impressive strike. However, Andrej Kramaric with a stooping header equalized in the first half. In extra time, Croatia substitute Vedran Corluka seemed to have won the match but Mario Fernandes equalized, sending the game to penalties. Russia could not save themselves this time; hence they paved way for Croatia to the semi-finals against England.
How Southgate’s Men Can Reach the Finals
- Sterling and Kane are an added advantage
Harry Kane and Sterling have formed a strong partnership where they complement each other well on the field. Although Kane wasn’t at his best against Sweden and Sterling was mostly noticed missing a clear first-half chance to score, the two form a strong force together against Croatia centre-backs. Sterling has pace and him running in behind Dejan Lovren and Domagoj Vida while Kane uses his physical ability to combat them, then England could be on its way to winning the semi-finals.
- 3-5-2
England have not changed their tactics too much during the tournament. This was again the case against Sweden who implemented their usual 4-2-2 which set the pace for them being breached. Southgate is determined that his approach is ideally suited to deal with opponents Croatia and does not expect to vary it. Croatia, on the other hand, have been constantly varying their formation and shifting around their team.
- Set-piece
Eight of England’s eleven goals were scored from set-pieces. These are the most by any team at any World Cup since Portugal in 1966. This makes a threat to any opponent. Sweden was incapable of coping with England’s ability from dead ball situations, for instance, Harry Maguire’s astounding header. If England capitalizes on this, then they are bound to give Croatia a rough time.
- Pickford, the Number 1 goalkeeper
Gareth Southgate made a smart move when he backed Jordan Pickford as his first-choice goalkeeper. Pickford has great passing ability from the back which plays perfectly with England’s plan of action against the opposition. He made 3 amazing saves against Sweden and this kept England’s first clean sheet of the World Cup 2018. This also made him the youngest England goalkeeper to achieve this at that level.
We can’t wait to see England play against Croatia in Moscow on Wednesday!