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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: Raheem Sterling of England is challenged by Ludwig Augustinsson of Sweden during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Sweden and England at Samara Arena on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
SAMARA, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Raheem Sterling of England is challenged by Ludwig Augustinsson of Sweden during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Sweden and England at Samara Arena on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /

Instant high pressing game suits England

Pressing opponents from the front is nothing new, hence the retro phrase: ‘attack is the first line of defence’. Yet the Three lions have mastered it in modern times.

By consulting the running statistics of English players, we deduce the influence. Lingard stands out in respect to engine stamina. While harrying the Swede’s defence, he racked up a staggering 12.01 km.

Backing Lingard’s intimidation of Sweden’s under pressure players, were Kieran Trippier, along with captain Harry Kane. Leading from the front and side; attaining just under 11 km respectively. There was absolutely no time for any Swede to settle on the ball. Consequently causing them to make many early mistakes.

After settling, following both side’s initial nerves, Swedish players were not able to select appropriate passes or make successful forward manoeuvres, due to constant harassment on the ball.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are notorious for hunting in packs. It was a staple tactic of his while at Borrusia Dortmund. That has, in turn, directly influenced England’s tactics from the Premier League and elsewhere.

Should St. George’s side intensely pressurize Croatia high up the pitch, or approach with a pragmatical tactic to allow the Croats to wear themselves out? Duress causing constraint, is what England’s boss will implement.

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