Thread by @pythaginboots

#ITAENG - 𝐓𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝

Key points:

🔴Southgate bottled it after taking lead. No lessons learned from Croatia.
🔴Time taken to unleash subs was criminal, Mancini was proactive.
🔴Subbing Immobile changed the game

CC: @TacticalPad

#EURO2020 #ENG #ITA

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England fired out of the blocks. Italy did not expect English wing back to push up high from both flanks, let alone Kyle Walker making a surprise foray forward to outnumber Italy on the blindside.

Italy shifted across in haste, this time leaving space on the other flank.

England then began to play on the counter which was fine, as Chiesa was the only real threat. What a threat he was though, I have rarely seen Luke Shaw troubled as he was.

Chiesa's 1 v 1 ability is truly special, very direct and reminds me of Andrei Kanchelskis.

As we can see England's low block was very difficult to break down with Immobile in the side. He was not dynamic or skilful enough to trouble English centre backs and Insigne was too predictable from the left spot even if he did bring others into play very well.

Outnumbered.

Italy changed it up and put Insigne as a false 9 and another nippy wide forward in Berardi. This shook England up, as suddenly all of Italy's front three can beat men 1 v 1 and attract defenders.

England refused to get out of the low block and invited waves of pressure.

Gareth made some subs reluctantly but the first two I agreed with, but by not bringing on Grealish early enough - England's midfield just lacked any real quality or thrust. It was a workmanlike midfield lacking in pizzazz and they also lacked a central thrust.

This is what I would have gone with. DCL to take on the ageing legs of Italy, Sterling as a 10 to take on Jorginho and Grealish out wide much earlier. I would have brought on Bellingham, a box to box player who would be useful on the counter and Phillips was tiring.

Penalty subs... Do not mind that. Rashford missing? fine, he's a regular for United - shit happens.

Sancho? hmm, barely features under Gareth and has scored 1PK in 3 seasons at Dortmund? Saka... what on earth were these lads doing in the first 5 takers?

Did we practise this?

Left with a bitter taste. Southgate is the best manager we have had since Hoddle. However, the squad he has is stacked and he still has not solved the issue of being unable to control games against the best sides WITH THE BALL.

He lacks ability to forge elite midfields.

His trust in players like Rice and Dier previously in 2018 worries me. They are effective to some degree, but we need to be looking at guys who are genuine playmakers and can also defend. It should not be an either or situation, we can and must find both in one player.

He needs to be braver with subs and do it earlier. Make the most of your talented pool of players, do not just grind it out - stick your chest out, back the players in these pressure situations rather than worry about them making a mistake.

Want to know how Italians win ugly?

Italian's very rarely defend and just stay in the low block. They nearly always seek to offer something on the counter, and they also know when to step out of it and control the game if need be. They also are efficient in possession out of the low block and never just hoof it.

A big thank you for all those who have followed and retweeted our work during these Euros. The team will be taking a well-earned break and will look to come back with a bang.

Arrivederci my friends and do check out our work at:

pythagorasinboots.com