Tactical Analysis: England vs. Croatia

3 years ago in Moscow, Croatia stunned the footballing world, as they knocked the spirited but ultimately limited, England out of the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, adding to their 2008 upset in eliminating The Three Lions from even competing in that year’s tournament. However, as “God Save the Queen” was belted around Wembley Stadium by thousands of passionate supporters, a golden generation burdened with a nation’s expectations knew the order of the day against what is becoming an increasingly common enemy: Revenge.

And it was clear to see from the opening seconds that this England side is more than just false hope and typical overhype from the media. A starting 11 from Gareth Southgate that was heavily scrutinized pre match took no time in asserting themselves, and within 5 minutes, their energy, aggression and will was nearly rewarded.

Phil Foden, sporting a cut not too dissimilar to that of the great Paul Gascoigne, nearly replicated Gazza’s 1996 EURO’s heroics, as he cut in onto his wand of a left foot, curling an effort that beat Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, but couldn’t beat the post.

Player Analysis: Phil Foden