England is facing The Netherlands in the Euro semi-finals, with a potential final against Spain on the line. While the last two games for England have had exciting endings, the overall performance has left much to be desired according to critics.
Key players like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane have struggled to replicate their club form on the international stage. Bellingham, despite being England’s best player statistically, has not reached the same level he achieved while playing for Real Madrid. Harry Kane, England’s captain, has also seen a drop in performance compared to his time at Bayern Munich.
On the defensive side, England has been strong, allowing goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to face very few high-quality chances. This solid defensive performance puts England among the top defences in the tournament, along with France and Germany.
In terms of attacking prowess, England has been lacking, ranking low in expected goals created per game. However, history shows that a strong defence can be a better indicator of success in a tournament like the Euros. Teams like Portugal, Spain, and Greece have shown that a solid defensive strategy can lead to victory, even if the attack is not as potent.
Looking back at previous Euros, the teams with the best defensive records have often come out on top. Spain’s victories in 2008 and 2012, as well as Portugal’s win in 2016, highlight the importance of a solid defence in a tournament setting.
As England prepares to face Spain in the potential final, the focus on defensive strength could be a key factor in determining the outcome of the match. While attacking flair is important, a strong defence may be the key to England’s success in the Euros.