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Three things we learned from England’s win over Sweden

By Thomas Bradley Alderman

SAMARA, RUSSIA - JULY 07: A lone England fan stands amongst thousands of Russian supporters as they cheer on their team at the Samara FIFA fanfest on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia. The quarter final game between Russia is taking place in Sochi for a coveted semi-final place. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
SAMARA, RUSSIA - JULY 07: A lone England fan stands amongst thousands of Russian supporters as they cheer on their team at the Samara FIFA fanfest on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia. The quarter final game between Russia is taking place in Sochi for a coveted semi-final place. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) /
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SAMARA, RUSSIA – JULY 07: A lone England fan stands amongst thousands of Russian supporters as they cheer on their team at the Samara FIFA fanfest on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia. The quarter final game between Russia is taking place in Sochi for a coveted semi-final place. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
SAMARA, RUSSIA – JULY 07: A lone England fan stands amongst thousands of Russian supporters as they cheer on their team at the Samara FIFA fanfest on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia. The quarter final game between Russia is taking place in Sochi for a coveted semi-final place. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) /

England progressed past Sweden 2-0 with a convincing display. These are the three things we learned from the game.

Evidently, Hakan Mild was way off. Next up for the Three Lions is Croatia in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. But what did we learn from the quarter-final victory?

Don’t alter a winning combination

Gareth Southgate should not change a winning team; despite queries about certain players. Most deliberation by fans concerns Raheem Sterling’s contribution.

I can clarify: he has made great inroads into defences, without personal gain. For example: defenders have gravitated toward him, opening up play and pockets of space.

Sterling came closer than ever to scoring against Sweden. Yes, his finishing could and should improve, but he was unfortunate not to slot home by fine margin.

His link up play, particularly with Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli, is effective. Keep them together: the combination is affecting opponents’ monitoring and fluidity drastically.

Ashley Young is possibly the only other starter at risk. Danny Rose is incredibly close to starting. Yet it is still preferable, especially at this stage, not to change.

Speculated by one-time-one-match international manager Sam Allardyce, was to reduce the three centre-backs: reverting to a 4-4-2 for the Sweden clash.

Evidently ‘big Sam’ was being predictably typical, as Southgate’s tactical awareness is highly intuitive. Although changing the side versus Belgium ensured a favourable draw from a trivial meeting.

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