International break has been and gone, and England have played two more games. Two resounding victories, which is to be expected in Nations League’s secondary tier. But after the abject disappointment that was the Euros for England and their fans, optimism was taken from these performances. Interim gaffer Lee Carsley was able to transfer his free flowing, attacking football from youth to first team, and his team played some nice football within a structured system that allowed talented players to thrive. First, in Dublin, where Rice & Grealish awkwardly scored in their homeland, and then in London, where captain Harry Kane bagged a brace in his 100th cap.
The experimental nature of the squad selection saw the likes of Angel Gomes get a deserved call up, and he, amongst others, impressed. But I would rather ponder about how a full strength England could look like in a major tournament. With a superior manager, (to Southgate) with greater respect to player profiling and tactical balance. Southgate’s reign (of terror? happiness? joy? pain?) is over, and it’s time to look forward to a prosperous period in English football that may be able to bear fruit.
Note: this is purely an opinionated piece from a neutral. I am not English, and feel free to form your own opinion.
Before I propose the first potential setup that could be used, I think some ‘non-negotiable’ players must be listed, ones that [in my opinion] are essential to England’s chance of success no matter the team, system or manager.
Declan Rice
Despite my thoughts on him at club level, his importance for England shouldn’t be understated. A monster OOP & an adept carrier, he needs to be utilised correctly if England have any plans of success. Due to the nature of major international tournaments, their most important games will likely come against teams that will look to dominate the ball and territory (Spain, Germany), so players capable of withstanding sustained pressure and transitions out of possession will be key. He isn’t a player that should be responsible for build up, but as a free roaming 8, not confined to any particular zone (to maximise his ZOI). His form is vital to England’s chances.
Harry Kane
Despite his reputation, Harry Kane has been a relatively big talking point for the English national team in recent months. Many (fans & pundits) questioned his suitability for the team at his age; can he stretch defences? Pin CBs like he used to? And, the simple answer, is no. He isn’t a dominant ST profile that can take defenders out of the game purely by his gravity, but he’s still undoubtedly a world class player. Top hold up play, excellent creator, box instincts, ball striking. The leadership he offers is still essential for still a quite young and developing team, so I think he is a non-negotiable in this England side. His variety of finishes and footballing IQ are of a too high level for him not to be. World Cup 2026, should be his tournament.
Bukayo Saka
Maybe more of a controversial one, but I definitely see Saka as an undisputed starter in this England side. His self sufficiency is so valuable—his maximisation doesn’t require associative play or regular combinations, he can hold with on the right hand side and work in isolation while still offering a lot to the team. He’s not as aesthetically pleasing as some others in the team, but he’s a diligent hard worker with impressive effiency in the final third. Chuck him out on the wing, give him the ball 10 times, and he’ll generate a chance in the box 9 times. A consistent goal threat, hard worker, great crosser off both sides. A vital cog in England’s system.
Now I’ve stated the players that have to start, let’s look at potential tactical setups England could use. The variety of profiles and talent in the squad means there’s many, so many possibilities with so many combinations of players. The first one I propose, is what I believe to be the best on paper utilisation of the squad.
Many criticisms came Southgate’s way during the Euros for a lack of balance in the team; Foden, Bellingham, & Kane all operating in the same areas. But due to the profiles at disposal: Bellingham, Foden, Palmer, Eze, Gibbs-White, Grealish, committing fully to this way of playing isn’t that bad of an idea. A fluid & rotational 4-2-3-1 with Saka as the solitary width holder and Kane, Foden and Bellingham/Palmer rotating between the lines puts the defence in a conflicting situation. Do they jump up, & ‘lock in’ on the players, or step off and defend balls in behind? If they do the former, there’s space in behind to exploit, if it’s the latter, more time for the players between the lines. Central overloads or isolations on the right hand side both put England in a great situation, as well as reducing distances in defensive transition. Without a runner in the team, the distances between the line will be minimal and therefore easier to cover for retreating midfielders. A necessary profile in this setup is a LB with a great understanding of associative wide play—Rico Lewis, Lewis Hall both come to mind.
The controversial part of this lineup is that it doesn’t include Trent Alexander-Arnold, and includes Reece James. The lack of a clear ‘runner’ in this team retracts from his value slightly, and his defensive deficiencies—though often overstated—cannot be ignored. A fit James (I know, I know) offers you optimal defensive security as well as offering a top dynamic down the right hand side with the RCM & RW. He’s a 1v1 lockdown defender with equally excellent on the ball abilities. If he gets back to his best, he’s a shoe in. Although, Trent can still undoubtedly play a big part when they setup in this way. Him & Anthony Gordon should be routine subs—around 60th/65th minute—irrespective of game state, to stretch tired defences. Gordon offers an outlet & relentless runs in behind, as well as a goal threat. A nuisance for the opposition defence, with Trent on the opposite side capable of finding him. Those two are almost perfect subs; both offering game breaking, catalyst qualities. Trent’s creativity is unmatched across the world, his ability to shift a settled block will be key for England when they have leads they wish to retain.
This team could look something like this:
Pickford; James; Stones; Colwill; Rico Lewis/Hall; Wharton; Rice; Palmer/Bellingham; Saka; Foden; Kane.
In my opinion, this system would work, if coached correctly under the right conditions. But, admittedly, there are a couple flaws I should touch on:
—Lack of a runner to exploit space
—Potential clogging of half spaces
— Slightly one dimensional
The second setup I propose may be more realistic than idealistic; a more likely setup that England may use in major tournaments. One that includes Alexander-Arnold and Anthony Gordon as starters rather than ‘super subs’. Another 4-2-3-1, but this time fielding a runner that brings the best out of Kane & Trent’s best ability—passers with vision to pick out runs beyond back lines. The team would include Gordon & Saka on the wings, two width holders to stretch the opposition out, high and wide in isolation. This would allow for the full backs—Trent and Lewis—to operate in the inside channel which utilises them well.
Stretching the pitch in this way makes room in the half spaces for Kane & the number 10 to operate in. This means there is hith potential for combinations and up-back-and-throughs in central zones, especially with the ball playing capabilities of Wharton/Mainoo & Colwill in deeper areas.
This is a more balanced approach that can adapt to any sort of game state. When facing teams like Argentina and Spain are very control-oriented, England would benefit from a faster tempo. Applying measured chaos to slower game states will benefit mobile quick-thinkers like Trent, Wharton, & Gordon who can progress the ball quickly through the phases. Build up would be in a set 2-1 shape (Colwill, Stones; Wharton) with the FBs (Lewis, Trent/James) situationally filling out inverted CB & FB roles when they see fit. Jude/Palmer/Foden in the left 10 role with Rice as a RCM not confined to the half space. Wharton & Trent’s progressive mindset will make for smoother & quicker build up. A mix of control & high tempo build-up is needed to regularly get their best players in zones of high importance. Bedding in a set way of playing & patterns when they are in possession is very important for whoever the new coach is, to aid breaking blocks which they were unable to consistently do in the Euros. A healthy combination of positional play and player freedom is the best recipe for success for England. They have a wide variety of talented players in the squad and outside it that can play any type of football, so it’s paramount that they are utilised correctly as they approach their primes. Who plays isn’t as important as how they play, in the short & long term.
Whoever the new coach is, Carsley or other candidates, they have to be able to improve England, from a tactical, profiling, and structural perspective. Don’t waste this squad.
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