Thread by @TalkinTactics

I tweeted this last night & wanted to explain how Maguire’s style of play (right foot) affected #Eng build ups.

I will go into more detail, but - in 1 tweet - Maguire doesn’t want to get trapped on his left, so he drops deep (more time to cut inside) which forces #eng deep.

Stones has the ball in this example. A square (ish) pass to Maguire & he can pass to Shaw before USA shuffle across the pitch. Shaw might then be able to find Mount (between the lines) or Sterling (1v1).

Because Maguire is deep,
USA can shuffle across b4 Shaw receives the ball.

This happened with most possessions.

Maguire passes to Stones (who is square to him). I understand he drops slightly but I don’t think he needs to drop this much.

A Stones pass to Maguire could enable HM to carry fwd or play quickly to Shaw.

Stones passes directly to Shaw.

If each possession is slowed down (as the ball is travelling backwards) this:

• Gives the USA slightly more time to shuffle across, closing the gaps in the FWD/Midfield lines.

• Means England’s possession move backwards by 4/5 yards (and the USA can push up).

Small details.

Once it becomes difficult to progress the ball additional players start to drop. And there needs to be space for the extra players to move into (unless they are comfortable in tight areas..) so the back line drops.

Maguire drops so he has more time & the Midfielders have space.

The contrast between Stones’ positioning (who is playing on his dominant side & can turn out) & Maguire’s is evident during each build up.

Stones receives level or slightly ahead.

Maguire receives 3-5 yards deeper.

This loses England territory each time..

#Eng #FIFAWorldCup

If positional play is correct it makes the oppo work harder.

Let’s explain.

Stones has the ball.

If Bellingham was the other side of Musah he would drag the USA Midfielder wider. This could open up space for the ball into Kane. Or it forces USA’s next Midfielder to shuffle

Across (to block that pass into Kane).

If England then work the ball out to the left (via Maguire, who is deeper again..) then both USA midfielders have greater distances to cover (moving to their right).

Over the course of a game these gaps become bigger & legs get heavier.

I was surprised England didn’t try this move more frequently.

If Shaw moves inside as the ball is being played to Maguire then McKennie (RM for USA in press) has a decision to make. He probably tracks Shaw.

This opens up the pass to Sterling.

But easier w/ left footed CB…

Spain are renowned for their positional play so I thought I would show their shape when in a similar position to England (both against a 4-4-2). Spain are in red in the top pic.

In both pics the right CB has the ball.

Look how deep Maguire is compared to Laporte..

And look at the difference in spacing of the Spanish team in comparison to England.

Spain have:

•Deeper/narrower full backs.
•Wider Wingers
•Both 8s on the outside of Costa Rica’s CMs (England only have 1 because Saka is narrow..)

Spain make the pitch big & create space.

Here is one time England moved their full back (Trippier) inside.

Saka has maintained his width whilst the ball is on the opposite side of the pitch and it has created space for Bellingham to stay high (& run into) and for Tripper to move infield.

Pulisic stays central to prevent Stones from passing into Trippier.

This opens up the passing lane into Saka.

Bellingham can then attack the space between CB & LB.

This is a fairly easy way of progressing the ball…

Bellingham is now in behind & England are in the final third.

I’ve said before but the wide players affects the whole team. If they play narrow then the 8s drop deeper (to find space) which forces Rice deeper which forces the CBs deeper.

England run too much when in possession.