England has struggled with ball retention in international tournament football for many years, and in their recent fixture against Slovenia, they exhibited a high degree of possession but limited forward momentum. Observers witnessed England dominating the game with over 70 per cent possession, yet failing to pose a significant threat to the opposing team’s goalkeeper. Many have drawn parallels between England’s performance and that of a lacklustre Manchester City, with the circulation of the ball in the midfield occurring at a slow and deliberate pace, but lacking the intensity in the final third that City is renowned for.
According to data from Stats Perform, England’s direct speed metric at Euro 2024 ranks them as the slowest attacking team among all 24 participating nations. Their average direct speed of 1.24 meters per second places them at the bottom of the rankings, slower than any of the 20 teams that competed in the Premier League last season. This sluggish pace has prompted criticism from fans, who have described the matches as unexciting and lacklustre.
The debate over whether England should seek to emulate Manchester City’s style of play is ongoing. Despite City being the slowest attacking team in the Premier League last season, they managed to secure their fourth consecutive league title. This raises the question of whether England should adopt a similar approach with their current squad of players, particularly given City’s strong midfield passers and greater pace in their forward line.
Although being the fastest attacking team does not guarantee success in tournaments, England undoubtedly needs to strike a better balance between control and creativity in their midfield and forward lines. To achieve this, they may need to address several deficiencies in their current gameplay.
One issue is the failure to draw Slovenia’s central midfielders out and the lack of forward movement from England’s attackers, resulting in their attackers being outnumbered in the final third and struggling to progress the ball. An alternative approach could involve deploying more attacking full-backs to provide additional support in the final third.
Furthermore, the lack of movement in England’s forward line has been evident, with players struggling to receive the ball in dangerous positions, limiting their attacking options and contributing to their slow-paced play.
Another area of concern is the midfield, where players such as Conor Gallagher have not been able to display their best form in the tournament. The team could benefit from having midfielders who are comfortable in confined spaces, willing to receive the ball and take on opponents to create openings in a deep defence.
Lastly, the use of possession as a defensive tactic has been flagged as a concern, with England’s heavy emphasis on retaining the ball potentially inhibiting their attacking potency. There is a perception that England is utilizing possession as a means to safeguard their defence, rather than to generate creativity and attacking opportunities.
In conclusion, while England’s current style of play may have tactical advantages, it is evident that changes are necessary. Striking a balance between possession, progression, and attacking creativity will be pivotal for England to make a meaningful impact in Euro 2024.