England outlasted Switzerland in a penalty shootout on Saturday to advance in Euro 2024 and reach the semifinals.
Much of the pregame talk of the matchup surrounded England manager Gareth Southgate’s proposed lineup.
The coach eventually opted for three center backs, rather than a more traditional back four with two central defenders. The decision was fueled by Marc Guehi’s absence due to suspension. Guehi missed the match on Saturday after picking up two yellow cards at the tournament.
Switzerland manager Murat Yakin also generally goes with a back three as well. In fact, the Swiss starting XI on Saturday was the same lineup that essentially dominated Italy last weekend. Southgate’s choice to change formation would also better match his opponents in the matchup.
Many assumed typical winger Bukayo Saka would be utilized by Southgate as a left wing back. Nevertheless, the Arsenal star featured on the right hand side in front of center back for the day Kyle Walker. Kieran Trippier, on the other hand, featured as a wing back on the left side of the pitch.
Neither team managed shot on target in first half
Outside of the lineups, the actual match started pretty much as expected. The two teams essentially shared the possession and traded tame efforts at goal in the opening stages of the first half. The tactical battle was on from the start. Both sides were seemingly satisfied with a compact clash, particularly in the middle of the pitch.
England did begin to turn the screw a bit as the opening period progressed. The Three Lions racked up 55% possession during this timeframe and regularly opted to feed Saka out on the right side of the pitch. The versatile star led all players in the first half with four dribbles. A majority of these successes came up against Michel Aebischer.
Nevertheless, England could not manage to create much of a real threat to Yann Sommer in the Swiss goal. In fact, neither side even recorded a shot on target…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-euro/saka-pickford-propel-england-into-euro-2024-semifinals/
Author : Chris Moore
Publish date : 2024-07-06 19:17:48
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