║➽║ EXCLUSIVE Football News║

[miri-01]

Alex Keble's Euro 2024 match-ups for round three of group games
By Alex Keble
21:44 · FRI June 21, 2024
Alex Keble (@alexkeble) is a football journalist who specialises in tactical understanding, analysis and predictions of all aspects of the game.
Szoboszlai v Gilmour
Scotland vs Hungary
Sunday 23rd June, 20:00 - BBC One
Home 17/10 | Draw 12/5 | Away 29/20

So far Hungary have fulfilled the traditional tournament role of the failed dark horse, and in both of their defeats (to Germany and Switzerland) new and unexpected flaws have developed for Marco Rossi’s side. Scotland have a chance, especially now Billy Gilmour is in the starting XI.

His clever pass set Scotland away for their opener against Switzerland and he proved to be a metronomic presence in the middle, but more importantly he helped to close the gaps between defence and midfield that had been so catastrophic in the defeat to Germany.

Billy Gilmour pass map vs Switzerland
Scotland’s bursts of disorganised pressing had opened up space between the lines, leading directly to four of Germany’s five goals, but there was none of that in the second game against Switzerland thanks to Steve Clarke’s formation change. In a 3-5-2, an extra central midfielder in Gilmour shut things down.

Scotland need to build on that against Hungary, who in Dominic Szoboszlai possess a very effective number ten ready to pull the strings should those gaps re-emerge. Rossi’s 3-4-2-1 formation frees Szoboszlai to lurk in the number ten space, and although we haven’t seen this so far at Euro 2024 Scotland’s low block should ensure the Liverpool midfielder sees more of the ball.

At the other end, again Gilmour is the key. Of the five goals Hungary have conceded so far two have been unforced defensive errors and two have resulted from a mirror image of Scotland’s flaw: the number ten space left wide open by disconnected defence and midfield lines.

Gilmour, driving into this space to support Scott McTominay, is the most likely player to take advantage should Hungary’s tactical issues continue.

England’s midfield v Slovenia’s midblock
England v Slovenia
Tuesday 25th June, 20:00 - ITV1
Home 4/11 | Draw 18/5 | Away 15/2
It really wasn’t the catastrophe so many made it out to be. England were sluggish, their left wing was non-existent and the midfield was a mess with Trent Alexander-Arnold in it, but a truly abysmal pitch had a huge impact on the players – and a 1-1 draw with Denmark isn’t a bad result.

It’s worth repeating – because the BBC pundit team have certainly forgotten – that England aren’t trying to be Manchester City. The idea is to play with French conservatism and every group game against weaker opposition is simply a warm-up for the latter stages, when England’s tactical approach will make more sense. How England’s shape works against a low block will not define their tournament.

Gareth Southgate england
But unfortunately for Gareth Southgate the narrative that England are back to Hodgsonian square one is only going to strengthen against Slovenia, who are by far the most defensive side in the group. England will not enjoy this.

Slovenia’s risk-averse tactics include a compressed midblock 4-4-2 and an aggressive press once the opposition passes the ball into central midfield. In other words: England’s worst nightmare.

If England are again confused in the middle and lethargic in possession, Slovenia’s assertive press will hound them down cul-de-sacs, forcing another stale performance low on chances.

Matjaz Kek’s side held just 32% possession against Denmark and 39% against Serbia, drawing both games 1-1. Expect that figure to drop to around 25% on Tuesday as they attempt to slow England down and create an anxious, hostile atmosphere.

England need to up their game. That surely means dropping Alexander-Arnold for Conor Gallagher, who adds bite and urgency (not to mention understanding of the role), and it ought to mean releasing Declan Rice a little higher.

Trent Alexander-Arnold
Southgate’s triple substitution against Denmark suggests he is more willing to take gambles than at previous tournaments, and with that in mind he could go for broke with Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden as eights either side of Declan Rice, freeing up a place for a direct dribbler (Eberechi Eze or Anthony Gordon) to stretch Slovenia on the left flank.

That is probably a step too far for Southgate. More likely, it will be more of the same – and more righteous fury from the media. But don’t forget: nobody will remember how England performed in the group stages. The tournament proper doesn’t start for another week.

[miri-01]

Safety first Gareth Southgate has stopped England supporters dreaming
By Joe Townsend
12:10 · WED June 26, 2024
"You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain."

Ok, so I don't think it'll go to those extremes for Gareth Southgate, but Batman ally-turned-adversary Harvey Dent was pretty spot on when describing overstaying your welcome.

In the immediate aftermath of England's bleak goalless draw with Slovenia, which followed a hard-fought win over Serbia and worrying performance against Denmark, Southgate felt the full fury of supporters' frustration, narrowly avoiding several empty cup missiles having made the brave choice to applaud the fans.

What a sad story. From "Southgate you're the one...", to this.


“I understand it,” he said of the reaction.

Sadly, I'm not sure he does.

I was incredibly fortunate to be an England reporter at the very time Southgate arrived as manager, having a front row seat to watch the progress from a qualifying win over Malta all the way through to a heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat by Croatia.

One of the key aspects that set that run in 2018 apart was an unwillingness to be shackled by demons of the past. It was very clear being in the camp that the players, driven by the management, wanted to make a point of not caring about previous tournaments, talking about "making their own history".

Now, Southgate is asking us all to acknowledge those past failures. Repeatedly.

Asked to explain what's different about the environment compared to the three previous tournaments he's overseen, he said: “I think probably expectation. You know, we’ve made England over the last six or seven years fun again.

"I think it has been enjoyable for the players and we’ve got to be very, very careful that it stays that way.

"But it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar."

Back at that World Cup in Russia there were certainly factors that helped build a feel-good factor - a stoppage-time winner from Harry Kane in the opening game against Tunisia and particularly weak opposition in Panama in the second match meaning England could romp to a 5-1 win.

Those moments laid the foundations for the belief that, this time, it could be different. For all of us.

It allowed England to battle through a slugfest against Colombia in the round of 16 by surviving a last-gasp equaliser and finally winning a penalty shootout, before delivering a front-foot, controlled performance to beat Sweden.

Harry Maguire is the subject of interest from Manchester United
Harry Maguire became a cult figure for England fans at the 2018 World Cup
Since that semi-final loss in 2018 there has been no shortage of criticism sent Southgate's way, but this feels like the first time he has lost the understanding of why fans are getting so frustrated - it is not all about winning, it is about dreaming.

Having entered the role with such low expectations following a bleak decade for the national team, the pressure to deliver a trophy has increased to what feels like a bursting point. It has made Southgate so focused on results he's forgotten what made 2018 different in the first place.

"I’m asking the players to be fearless (so) I’m not going to back down from going over and thanking the fans, who were brilliant during the game," said Southgate.

“For me, we only will succeed if we’re together. So, that energy is crucial for the team and it’s so important they stay with the team, however they feel towards me.

“I get it."

But you don't Gareth.

It's hard to remember three less exciting England matches. Ask yourself, if they had all finished in 1-0 wins but played out exactly the same way would you feel any different? We topped the group remember. What more is there?

That connection with supporters wasn't only built by genuine belief England would win the World Cup, but by providing hope, reasons for fans to dream, excitement. Memories.

What is there worth remembering from Euro 2024 as an England fan?

England manager Gareth Southgate speaks to Kobbie Mainoo
Were the introductions of Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon signs that Gareth Southgate may be willing to trust youth?
There is still time though. With the Three Lions yet again landing an easier path through the knockout stage, avoiding Spain, Germany, Portugal and France before the final, they can turn things around.

But with the likelihood of a round-of-16 tie against the Netherlands it's hard to shake the feeling that England limp out with defeat after an utterly forgettable fortnight.

What brought everyone together was dreaming, and Gareth has definitely forgotten that.

He needs to remember fast or we're all set for a sorry end to eight years of Southgate.

[miri-01]

Gareth Southgate’s selection dilemmas ahead of England’s clash with Slovakia
By Sporting Life
22:45 · SAT June 29, 2024

Gareth Southgate has been heavily criticised throughout England’s Euro 2024 group games.

Despite topping Group C and setting up a last-16 clash with Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, fans, pundits and former players have questioned Southgate’s tactics and starting line-ups.

Here are the selection dilemmas the England manager faces heading into the knockout stage in Germany.

A Shaw thing at left-back?
Luke Shaw in England training at the Euros
Luke Shaw in England training at the Euros
Southgate opted to select Luke Shaw as the only natural left-back in his 26-man squad, that despite the fact the Manchester United defender has not played since a hamstring injury in February.

Shaw is now back training with the rest of his team-mates and his return could be timely, especially with fitness concerns over Kieran Trippier, who has been filling in on the left side of defence despite being right-footed.

If neither can face Slovakia, Southgate will have to choose between Joe Gomez and Ezri Konsa to fill the gap or move Kyle Walker across from right-back. He could even take the radical step of dropping Bukayo Saka out of his attack and into a position he has not operated in for years.

The middle man
England manager Gareth Southgate speaks to Kobbie Mainoo
England manager Gareth Southgate speaks to Kobbie Mainoo
Following the 1-1 draw with Denmark in Frankfurt, Southgate bemoaned the fact he had been unable to find a replacement for Kalvin Phillips, who played so well alongside Declan Rice in recent years.

Rice remains a mainstay of the England midfield but selecting the right partner for Arsenal’s £105million club-record signing has seen Southgate trial a number of options across the group stage.

Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold was the first to be given a go, only to be substituted off in the first two games as Southgate admitted the “experiment” may not have worked out.

Conor Gallagher, who replaced Alexander-Arnold in those two fixtures, started against Slovenia but was hauled off at half-time for Kobbie Mainoo, the Manchester United man slotting in seamlessly to give his chances of a first competitive England start a huge boost.

Forward thinking
phil foden
Phil Foden has returned to the squad, but he has struggled so far
LaLiga player of the season: Jude Bellingham. Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year: Phil Foden. Saka: 16 goals and nine assists in the Premier League last season.

Those three individuals would be the envy of most international managers looking to pick a forward line, yet Southgate has so far been unable to dovetail their undoubted talents to deliver for England.

Instead, there have been calls in some quarters for one, two or all three to be dropped against Slovakia, especially after the exciting tournament debut of Cole Palmer off the bench last time out.

The pace and directness of Anthony Gordon is another option available to Southgate, who has also looked at Eberechi Eze and Jarrod Bowen at different stages of the tournament in an attempt to find the right combination to unlock England’s wealth of attacking talent.

Is Kane able?
Harry Kane in action against Slovenia
Harry Kane has not got going just yet
It would seem almost illogical for Southgate to even consider dropping his captain, talisman and England’s all-time leading goalscorer – but Harry Kane has struggled so far at Euro 2024.

The Bayern Munich striker has one goal to his name but his performances have seen him on the periphery of games and his want to drop into a number 10 role has only further muddied the waters around the Bellingham and Foden situation.

Ollie Watkins had a brief cameo in the Denmark draw and looked lively, getting in behind the defence with some clever runs and, with 19 Premier League goals to his name last season, the Aston Villa forward knows where the back of the net is. Could he get a start against Slovakia? It is highly unlikely but Southgate does have that option, with Brentford’s Ivan Toney also waiting in the wings.

[miri-01]

Lucky Gareth Southgate has Jude Bellingham to thank for saving England's skin
By Joe Townsend
23:26 · MON June 30, 2024
"It's better to be a lucky manager than a good one."

A quote falsely attributed to legendary Nottingham Forest and Derby County manager Brian Clough, but one you could definitely imagine him coming out with.

And one Gareth Southgate may very well be labelled with should England somehow emerge from Euro 2024 with their first piece of major tournament silverware in 58 years.

Where to even start?

Well, we were crying out for a moment, for some memories. Boy did we get that.

England 2-1 Slovakia: Bellingham saves Southgate's skin
We were also crying out for a performance. We didn't get that.

Harry Kane
To say I'd given up hope would be an understatement, although that does have to be balanced with the incredibly professional pragmatism of leaving my local, from which I've been watching every England game this tournament, after 88 minutes to prepare for what seemed like the inevitable fallout of another 'Iceland'.

Thankfully I made it home in time to see Jude Bellingham's clutch overhead kick, and to hear the pub I'd just vacated erupt. It turns out I missed a couple of blokes crowd surfing, something I quickly knew about as I immediately ran back to reclaim my spot.

It meant I could witness further chaos following Harry Kane's close-range header, a goal which completed an epic turnaround.

The remaining 30 minutes or so were fairly eventless, thank God.

When our heart rates return to normal, and the glee begins to gradually turn to Swiss-related anticipation, then anxiety, reconciling with just how bad England were for the majority of a match against a Slovakia team 45th in FIFA's world rankings, has to be addressed.

I'm writing this in the immediate aftermath of what was quite frankly an emotional rollercoaster, so in a couple of days' time, I'd like to think I may be better able to form a more rounded view of exactly what happened.

But right now it's a mixture of elation, relief and hope that this could be some kind of turning point in what was seconds from being as limp a major tournament exit, and overall England performance, as I can remember.

Or just like Portugal in 2016, could it be that it simply has to be this way? Painful.


Right up until Bellingham delivered an iconic moment to salvage the hopes of a nation, it was impossible to shake the feeling that we were right back where we started, in so many ways.

Despite eight long years, right back to Iceland, to what Gareth Southgate inherited. Right back to Sven, to a golden generation who choked. Right back to being an England fan, where it always ends the same way.

Except this time, it didn't.

It's quite incredible just how full circle Southgate's time as England manager has gone. In 2018 it was Colombia's Yerry Mina equalising in the 93rd minute in the round of 16 in Moscow, before the weight of history had to be shaken off to win England a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time.

Eight years later and it's England scoring in the dying seconds to keep themselves in a tournament. It's what happens to us, it's not what we do.

It's Italian. It's German. It's not English.

Maybe that's why it took England's only two players who don't play in the Premier League to break that cycle, just like Portugal-raised Eric Dier was the man to finally strike a winning penalty.

Bellingham's iconic debut season at Real Madrid has been defined not by performances, but moments, twice scoring late winners to win an El Clasico, and being the match-winner on countless occasions.

Kane scored 36 goals in 32 Bundesliga matches. He has scored twice for England in Germany, when it mattered most.

Perhaps we just need to get used to a different England, who somehow find a way.

Let's hope so.


At the moment, hoping is all we have.

If we're honest, there has been little in the way of a plan, a structure. It was only when resorting to the kind of hit and hope, long throw, old school English football type stuff that Southgate's men began to look like any kind of threat, which really doesn't bode particularly well.

Does it matter right now? No. Does it need to change? Yes.

It spoke volumes that prior to being withdrawn, along with the peerless Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo was England's outstanding player.

The rest of the XI, without exception, played as though they were frightened to death, sinking under the weight of expectation. Only when Cole Palmer and Eberechi Eze entered the pitch were there more players seemingly willing to share the load.

Without injecting that fearlessness of youth, England are destined to crumble against Switzerland in a match they really ought to win.

Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane
Up to this point, Southgate has been loyal, backed his best players to deliver when it matters.

It's honourable, but it cannot go on.

The same can be said for his future as manager. The opening 25 minutes of utter chaos, and subsequent 65 minutes of total cluelessness, laid bare Southgate's limitations as a coach.

Regardless of the outcome in two weeks' time, he simply must be thanked and sent on his way at the end of this tournament.

With six full days between fixtures, get ready for another inquest.

But at least we have some memories now.

[miri-01]

Romania vs Netherlands betting tips, BuildABet, best bets and preview
By Joe Townsend
08:59 · TUE July 02, 2024
Football betting tips: Euro 2024
1.5pts Under 2.5 goals at 10/11 (bet365)

1pts Romania to qualify at 9/2 (Betfair, Paddy Power)

1pt Florin Nita to be shown a card at 7/1 (Sky Bet)

0.5pt Romania to qualify and Florin Nita card at 35/1 (bet365)

CLICK HERE to add to your Sky Bet bet slip
Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power |

CLICK for odds, form & stats in our NEW match page
CLICK for odds, form & stats in our NEW match page
BuildABet @ 42/1
Romania to qualify
Under 2.5 goals
Florin Nita card
Click here to back with Sky Bet

Sky Bet Euros offer B10G40 - https://m.skybet.com/lp/acq-bet-10-g...OOTBALL_B10G40
As I write, Monday's fixtures haven't taken place, so by the time you read this Slovenia may have knocked out Portugal, and Belgium may have rolled back the years to beat France; neither would be without warning.

The round of 16 has shown more than the odd glimpse of a potential shock.

But for a last-gasp moment of Jude Bellingham brilliance, 9/1 Slovakia would've stunned the footballing world. Georgia (13/1) gave us a thrill before Spain ultimately outclassed them, and luckless Denmark - 5/1 to beat Germany in normal time - fell the wrong side of a toenail offside call and a controversial VAR penalty to go from 1-0 up to 1-0 down in the space of 90 seconds.

Finally, while anyone who'd watched Italy and Switzerland in the group stage surely expected the latter to win, remarkably the bookies priced the Swiss as 9/4 outsiders.

Which brings us on to underdogs Romania.

What are the best bets?
Romania's Denis Alibec and Nicolae Stanciu celebrate
Romania's Denis Alibec and Nicolae Stanciu celebrate
Of all the ties in the round of 16 it was this this one that jumped out to me as having the most promise when it came to backing a major shock.

Much like England, the Netherlands have shown nothing to suggest they are a team to be trusted.

A good day against France displayed traits of being a well organised team with potential, but either side of that goalless draw were two highly questionable performances, showing us what a work in progress Ronald Koeman's team are.

Their 3-2 defeat by Austria reverted to something much closer to their opening performance against Poland, a narrow victory which required a deflected equaliser following a defensive error and a late winner out of nothing when the match appeared to be meandering towards a draw.

This inconsistency provides plenty of reason to believe there is potential for the Netherlands to lose against a weaker nation.

Austria celebrate victory over the Netherlands
Austria celebrate victory over the Netherlands
ROMANIA, meanwhile, have shown plenty of signs of encouragement, enough to be back-able at 9/2 TO QUALIFY. The 8/1 available to win in 90 minutes is tempting, but just doesn't quite make it for me.

CLICK HERE to back Romania to win in 90 minutes with Sky Bet
CLICK HERE to back Romania to qualify with Sky Bet
They may have lost their second group game 2-0 to Belgium, but having overwhelmed Ukraine to win their opener 3-0, they showed determination to fight back against Slovakia and secure the 1-1 draw required to clinch a place in the knockout stage.

It shouldn't be a huge surprise. Romania went unbeaten in qualifying, topping a group that contained Switzerland, and conceded just five goals in 10 fixtures. Defeat by Belgium was only their second loss in 20 major tournament and qualifying matches.

An excellent defensive record has formed the backbone of their success, making the 10/11 about UNDER 2.5 GOALS a price worth taking.

CLICK HERE to back under 2.5 goals with Sky Bet
It feels likely they will look to make this match as difficult as possible for an unsure Dutch team.

Netherlands' back five average positions
Tom Carnduff has suggested in his Euros Notebook column that the Netherlands could revert to the wing-back formation used in qualifying
Euros Notebook: Dutch need courage
Romania have not won a knockout match at a major tournament since 1994. This will be their first knockout tie full stop since Euro 2000.

It's therefore well within the bounds of possibility that in the desperation to reach the quarter-finals, goalkeeper FLORIN NITA IS SHOWN A CARD in an attempt to run down the clock, whether it to be to reach full-time for victory, or to force an extra 30 minutes.

CLICK HERE to back Florin Nita to be shown a card with Sky Bet
The 36-year-old is no stranger to a booking, receiving at least three in each of the last four seasons, and four in just 20 matches for club and country in 2022/23.

Combining NITA TO BE CARDED AND ROMANIA TO QUALIFY doubles to a whopping 35/1, and makes the staking the plan alongside the straight 7/1 selection.

CLICK HERE to back Romania to qualify and Florin Nita card with Sky Bet
Team news
Romania left wing-back Nicusor Bancu is banned meaning Vasile Mogos or Deian Sorescu are likely to come in with Andrei Ratiu expected to move to the left.

The Netherlands have a fully fit squad but are expected to make a tactical change after Joey Veerman was replaced just 35 minutes into their defeat by Austria in their final group game.

Xavi Simons and Jeremie Frimpong are expected to come into the XI.

Predicted line-ups
Romania: Nita; Mogos, Dragusin, Burca, Ratiu; R. Marin, S. Marin, Stanciu; Hagi, Dragus, Coman.

Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Reijnders, Schouten; Frimpong, Simons, Gakpo; Depay

[miri-01]

Alex Keble's Euro 2024 match-ups for the England vs Switzerland
By Alex Keble
22:58 · FRI July 05, 2024
Alex Keble (@alexkeble) is a football journalist who specialises in tactical understanding, analysis and predictions of all aspects of the game.
England vs Switzerland
Saturday 6th July, 17:00 - BBC One
Home 23/20 | Draw 2/1 | Away 13/5
CLICK for odds, form & stats in our NEW match page
CLICK for odds, form & stats in our NEW match page
England’s build-up play v Switzerland’s man-to-man press
The most important question for Gareth Southgate is how to get his team to pass out from their own third effectively. The build-up was ponderous and easily rebuffed by Slovakia in the previous round and Switzerland are considerably tougher opposition.

They dominated Italy in a 2-0 win in the last 16, utilising a superb man-to-man high press to squeeze the Italians by setting complex pressing traps; leaving the right-back free, Switzerland would jump when Giovanni di Lorenzo received the ball, using the numerical advantage of their 3-4-3 up against Italy’s 4-3-3 to create a timid Italian performance.

England's potential line-up vs Switzerland
Many pundits have suggested England should switch to a 3-4-3 formation (with Bukayo Saka on the left and Trent Alexander-Arnold either side of a back three) but this is not the time for wild tactical changes that would surely only further disrupt an England side without real cohesion. It certainly isn’t what a conservative manager like Southgate will do.

But that does not mean he can’t make the changes required to improve England’s elegance in possession in their own third and move around the Switzerland high press just as Hungary and Germany managed in the group stages.

Kieran Trippier’s tendency to come inside onto his right foot shuts down passing angles and makes England too predictable, which will play into the hands of this meticulously prepared Switzerland press, meaning there is a strong case for trialling Saka here.

England
However, Marc Guehi’s suspension means Ezri Konsa in an uncomfortable left-sided centre-back position, suggesting the defensive security of Trippier is still preferrable despite his limitations on the ball.

Instead, what England could do is rejig the formation during the build-up phase. If Kyle Walker was to drop to become a third centre-back, Trippier push higher, and drop Saka, England will have greater options to find Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo – who simply has to start considering his brilliant press-resistant qualities in the middle.

Breaking the Swiss press is England’s key to victory. If they can do it, then there is enough pace and dribbling quality in Phil Foden, Saka, and Jude Bellingham (only two nations have attempted more take-ons than England’s 79) to take advantage of the spaces that will open up.

England
And it isn’t all about passing in intelligent triangles until Switzerland overcommit. The direct route up to a dropping and linking Harry Kane is a path Southgate must encourage.

Aebischer-led left-side attacks v England’s midfield
The clamour to bring in Alexander-Arnold is also misguided. Should Switzerland drop into their 5-4-1 midblock to protect a lead, as they did against Italy, then Alexander-Arnold’s switches of play (England have made 27 switches, more than anyone else) would be very useful from right-back, but his defensive abilities cannot be trusted against these particular opponents.

Switzerland’s most frequent area of attack is the left flank. They lean this way predominantly because left wing-back Michel Aebischer plays an important hybrid role, confusing the opposition as he drifts into midfield to help overload the centre or pull the right-back out of position.

England
It led directly to both goals against a discombobulated Italy, as well as two of the goals in Switzerland’s only other victory in the tournament so far, when Aebischer popped up centrally to assist one and score another in the 3-1 victory over Hungary.

Aebischer is just one reason why the Switzerland midfield might have the upper hand. Granit Xhaka and Remu Freuler form a dependable base with plenty of experience, and with two narrow number tens just in front of them England’s at-times porous midfield might be in trouble.

It was too easy for Slovakia to get past Mainoo in the previous round, while Jude Bellingham’s positioning is too erratic to give England solidity. Conor Gallagher might finally be the energetic player Southgate needs in there to disrupt Xhaka, but who could he realistically drop? There just isn’t space for Gallagher and Mainoo.

Luckily for Southgate the solution is to retreat to his happy place. If England deploy a lower block, squeezing space between the lines rather than pressing high as you might expect if they were playing France or Germany, for example, then Switzerland’s midfield dominance will count for less.

So, after all the difficulties of the first four matches England’s usual team selection and Southgate’s preferred tactical setup might just be the best way to face a Switzerland side that is more tactically intelligent, more interesting, and in better form than them. The draw, once again, has been kind to England.

[miri-01]

How Gareth Southgate's street-wise England are finding a way at Euro 2024
By Joe Townsend
09:09 · SUN July 07, 2024
“We weren’t savvy, we weren’t tournament wise. This group are different."

It's hard to argue with Gareth Southgate. I mean, we all try to.

"With England it was often start 25 minutes really well, get ahead in games and then out in the early knockout rounds. We haven’t always got it right. But, in general, we’ve shown the resilience that the teams that win tournaments have had for years and years."

It's amazing how quickly things can change.

Only 10 days ago supporters were hurling beer cups and making obnoxious signs at the England manager. On Saturday night I witnessed some of his biggest critics belting out "Southgate you're the one..." as if their lives depended on it.

Fickle? Yes. But with good reason.

For one, Trent Alexander-Arnold slamming home England's fifth perfect penalty was enough to spark scenes of such pandemonium in Dusseldorf and at home, that all could be forgiven.


But in the main, it is justified.

This tournament, Southgate has backed himself into a corner by unashamedly prioritising outcome above all else, serving up rancid football and holding firm in his resolve to end his tenure by finally delivering what we all crave. Striving to make good on the 2018 prophecy that, despite all the criticism and condemnation since, perhaps he is indeed, the one.

What we've witnessed in Germany must make it very hard for the most stoic of non-believers.

England are into a third semi-final in four major tournaments, and this time have got there by drawing four successive games in 90 minutes.

For a manager constantly, and rightly, labelled as negative, this is beginning to feel as though it was meant to be.

Or maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself.

Saturday was undoubtedly England's best performance of the tournament, displaying a balance that had been lacking in all four matches prior; but it still wasn't great, was it? Again, little was created prior to the outstanding Bukayo Saka's equaliser, one of just three shots on target across 120 minutes of action.


If we're honest Switzerland were the better team. Not that we care. Not a jot. It does not matter.

This has been the worst major tournament performance under Southgate, but also one of the best. The team has regressed in terms of performance but at the same time progressed in terms of delivery when it comes to the key moments.

Basically, they've been rubbish but now have their best chance of winning a trophy in 58 years. It's quite the paradox.

"England never make it easy do they?" You're right there mate. Glorious failure is etched into our footballing psyche as much as 4-4-2 and celebrating winning a corner. It's our tiki-taka, our gegen-pressing, our Samba.

It's usually preceded by an enormous emotional high, creating enough hope and joy to make the ultimate disappointment utterly crushing.

It was England's shootout victory over Spain at the very same stage of this tournament 28 years ago that triggered my love of football. A glorious failure against Germany in the semi-finals followed. Gazza's outstretched boot, Southgate's miss. A match they should have won.

It went into the annals of England footballing trauma alongside Waddell and Pearce and The Hand of God, soon to be joined by Beckham and Batty, Sol Campbell's goal that never was, Ronaldinho and Seaman, Portugal on penalties (twice), that Lampard goal, the Italians on penalties, Croatia when it was so close, the Italians again and a fortunate France.

The legacy of this tournament, whatever the final outcome, will be wiping much of that glorious failure complex away.

“Italy, France, Spain, you know, it’s not all pure football. It’s other attributes that they've had and we’re showing a little bit more of that streetwise nature," said Southgate.

"We’ve never been to a final outside of England, we've never won a Euros, so there's two bits of history we'd love to create."

England have scraped their way to the last four, and are evidently embracing it.

[miri-01]

Alex Keble's Euro 2024 match-ups for the semi-finals
By Alex Keble
12:24 · TUE July 09, 2024
Alex Keble (@alexkeble) is a football journalist who specialises in tactical understanding, analysis and predictions of all aspects of the game.
Spain’s wingers v Kante’s role on Rodri
Spain vs France
Tuesday 9th July, 20:00 BST - BBC One
Home 8/5 | Draw 15/8 | Away 19/10
So far this tournament France have been (deliberately) boring to watch while Spain have been the tournament’s entertainers. Something has got to give on Tuesday, and considering the tension inherent to a semi-final match – not to mention Spain’s uglier, feistier display against Germany – France will likely set the tone.

It will be dry and claustrophobic as Didier Deschamps yet again deploys an ultra-conservative low block, minimises risks, and relies on a moment of quality at the other end. The impetus is very much on Spain to make something happen.

Nico Williams
As ever, they will focus on direct attacks down the two flanks. The one-on-one dribbling of Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal has been the main feature of Spain’s football all tournament, and never more so than in the quarter-final: Yamal’s run and pass down the right set up the first goal, before Dani Olmo crossed from the left for the winner.

Brilliant Williams best winger at Euros?
Kounde and Theo Hernandez are exceptional defensive full-backs and, steady in the back row of Deschamps’ cautious formation, they will prove extremely difficult for either Williams or Yamal to beat. These two battles on either flank will catch the eye.

But perhaps a more important, though subtler, match-up is between Rodri and N’Golo Kante. Rodri has been superb, as usual, in distributing the ball and dictating the tempo of matches, but Germany’s physicality dulled his influence somewhat in the previous round.

His direct opponent on Tuesday is Kante, deployed as the highest of Deschamps’ three-man midfield and the player tasked with getting tight to Rodri, closing off passes into him and pinching the ball off the Manchester City midfielder.

If Kante comes out on top, France’s fast front three can counter-attack successfully. But if Rodri turns the screw, Spain’s relentless barrage down both flanks should eventually break the French resistance.

Shaw & Saka v Gakpo & Dumfries
Netherlands vs England
Wednesday 10th July, 20:00 - ITV1
Home 2/1 | Draw 19/10 | Away 6/4
Bukayo Saka
It wasn’t the most convincing England performance but we can at least conclude that the formation change was a success – and that it’s here to stay.

Phil Foden was a lot more comfortable as one of the two number tens and Jude Bellingham no longer appeared trapped by the presence of others, while Bukayo Saka found considerably more room down the right because he could arrive late in the move after England’s dual-ten system had sucked Switzerland into a narrow shape.

In fact, it looked a lot like how the Netherlands play.

Ronald Koeman’s 4-2-3-1 becomes a 3-4-2-1 in possession as Steven Bergwijn dips infield from the right and Denzel Dumfries moves very high, counter-balanced on the other side by Cody Gakpo.

Gakpo
Cody Gakpo has been the Netherlands' star man
Gakpo and Dumfries hold the width but also regularly cross to one another at the back post, as we saw most famously for Netherlands’ match-winning goal against Turkey in the quarter-final.

This is without doubt their biggest threat, meaning a lot rests on how Gareth Southgate’s back five can operate when pushed into a deeper shape. Saka in particular will come under a lot of pressure from Gakpo, who is often given the ball in the final third and invited to take on his man.

That is a clear mis-match that will favour the Netherlands unless Kyle Walker offers very close support.

But the Netherlands’ strength is also their weakness. Two of Austria’s three goals against them in the group stage were built down Koeman’s right side, while France dominated the second 45 of their 0-0 draw thanks to Jules Kounde and Ousmane Dembele doubling up to confound left-back Nathan Ake.

Luke Shaw's pass map vs Switzerland
Luke Shaw's pass map vs Switzerland
Luke Shaw’s return from injury is a major boost here. He should finally give England a left side, making Southgate’s team considerably more balanced while opening up space for switches out to the right – where Saka and Foden can take on Ake.

But this is a solid and dependable Netherlands side, tough in midfield (since moving press-resistant Tijjani Reijnders into the middle following the defeat to Austria), secure at the back, and with the Wout Weghorst option off the bench.

England will have to be sharper than they were against Switzerland. The new formation and Shaw’s return gives them a fighting chance in a semi-final all about the two sets of lopsided wing-backs.

[miri-01]

Euro 2024 final: Alex Keble's match-ups and key battles
By Alex Keble
16:30 · FRI July 12, 2024
Alex Keble (@alexkeble) is a football journalist who specialises in tactical understanding, analysis and predictions of all aspects of the game.
Spain vs England
Sunday 14th July, 20:00
BBC One & ITV1
Home 7/5 | Draw 2/1 | Away 21/10
Williams & Cucurella v Saka & Walker
Throughout Euro 2024 Spain’s main attacking threat has been the dribbling of their two wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, who between them are responsible for 45% of Spain’s attempted take-ons this summer.

Focus is on Yamal after his incredible goal against France and England will need a plan to deal with his constant desire to cut inside and cross or shoot; Kieran Trippier might be preferred to Luke Shaw because he can tackle on his right foot when Yamal drives infield, while Declan Rice will need to scurry across to help him out.

Spain
But the majority of Spain’s football is played down the opposite flank, where Marc Cucurella and Williams swap inside and outside positions to link up and confound the opposition right-back. Given that England’s right defender is a winger, Bukayo Saka, this is a more significant match-up than whatever happens on the other side.

Gareth Southgate praised Saka for his “defensive responsibility” after the victory over the Netherlands, but it will be a lot harder to defend the spaces with Kyle Walker on Sunday. Spain’s rotations are fast and intricate; Saka’s inexperience in the position might prove to be England’s weak point.

Saka
On the other hand, Cucurella is vulnerable at the other end. England’s lopsided 3-4-2-1 has seen Saka arriving in space on the right after opponents are pulled out to the other side, and in that scenario you can see Saka getting the better of Cucurella. That’s the wing to watch closely.

Rodri & Ruiz v Bellingham & Foden
We know that Spain will hog possession, but England don’t necessarily need to worry about that. Southgate’s side generally perform better when there is space to run into and worse when tasked with breaking down a deep block, hence their improvement against the Netherlands.

In fact, Spain’s territorial domination might just play into England’s hands, especially as the game wears on. It’s easy to envisage Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer coming off the bench to stretch Spain’s high line, with England once again digging deep to come back from a supposedly inferior position.

England
For that to happen, however, they will need to find a way to blunt the Spanish midfield. Rodri and Fabian Ruiz have been superb in a double pivot for Luis de la Fuente’s side, and if they are free to dictate the tempo then the most likely scenario is a return of that most criticised of Southgate traits: losing the midfield battle and gradually sinking into inevitable defeat.

Germany came closest to stopping them. In the first half especially, Ilkay Gundogan and Emre Can went man-for-man on Rodri and Ruiz, which prevented Spain from building through the thirds as they would have liked, creating a slightly disjointed Spanish performance.

This is instructive for England, because their 3-4-2-1 theoretically leaves Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham in the right place to sit on top of Rodri and Ruiz. In a more defensive performance than we have seen at any other point in this tournament, England’s number tens may be instructed by Southgate to follow the Spain midfielders around the pitch, forcing a more staccato rhythm in the hope of turning the ball over for an attacking transition.

CLICK HERE to back Phil Foden 2+ tackles with Sky Bet
From here, Saka versus Cucurella comes into play. That is the rough blueprint for how England can overcome the odds to produce a smash-and-grab win. In a tournament defined by moments of magic and a heavy dose of good luck, you would not put it past them.

[miri-01]

Six Premier League things you might have missed this summer
By Jimmy 'The Punt' Cantrill
13:58 · WED July 17, 2024
Euro 2024 took centre stage this summer, and with England making a habit of reaching the latter stages in recent tournaments, domestic moves have flown under the radar.

The tournament ended on Sunday with a defeat for England in Berlin against Spain.

As focus switches back to club football, we have put together a list of some of the main things you may have missed in the Premier League to help you re-acclimatise ahead of the new season (which starts pretty soon).

August 16 to be exact as Manchester United host Fulham on the Friday night.

Transfers, managerial changes, Chelsea’s weird signings, the changes at Manchester United and Ipswich’s summer activity are all in focus.

Did we miss a transfer deadline?
No. The window will close on August 30 at 11pm.

June 30 has become a big day in the transfer window though as it's the deadline for Premier League and EFL clubs to meet their league's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

It is why there has been some spooky goings-on in the top-flight recently, big transfer fees and not a lot of bang for your buck, like the ones listed below:

Lewis Dobbin - Everton to Aston Villa, £10m
Tim Iroegbunam - Aston Villa to Everton, £9m
Ian Maatsen - Chelsea to Aston Villa, £37.5m
Omari Kellyman - Aston Villa to Chelsea, £19m
Elliot Anderson - Newcastle to Nottingham Forest, £35m
Odysseas Vlachodimos - Nottingham Forest to Newcastle, undisclosed

Major ins and outs
There have been some pretty big moves that have gone completely under my radar.

Aston Villa have brought in Ross Barkley from Luton for an undisclosed fee and Douglas Luiz has departed for Juventus for £42m.

Arsenal have made the signing of David Raya permanent from Brentford as have Newcastle with Lewis Hall for £28m from Chelsea.

Archie Gray has joined Tottenham from Leeds for an undisclosed fee and West Ham have signed Max Kilman from Wolves for £40m.

Brighton’s boss baby
Roberto De Zerbi has swapped the south coast of England for France, departing for Marseille and Fabian Hurzeler is his replacement at Brighton.

The 31-year-old said he wants to "achieve big things and challenge the establishment" during his first press conference as Seagulls boss but what do we know about the top-flight's youngest ever permanent manager?


The Premier League has always been a target for the Texan-born German, who looks forward to pitting his wits against “best coach in the world, Pep Guardiola”.

Hurzeler developed his reputation at St Pauli, who punched above their weight en route to the 2.Bundesliga title last season.

He has a sleeve tattoo and his hot-head antics on the touchline earned him seven yellow cards last season.

Tactically, he may frustrate as his side are known for trying to work out a press from the opposition with centre-backs often putting their foot on the ball to invite pressure.

Man Utd making moves
Dan Ashworth must have one hell of a garden after his period of leave.

Manchester United have managed to prise him away from it and Newcastle as part of a boardroom level rejig.

Ashworth takes over as the Sporting Director and Christopher Vivell, Chelsea’s former technical director, has joined the club on a short-term basis as their interim director of recruitment.

In the Dugout
Hilariously, despite being told he would be sacked after the FA Cup final regardless of the result, Erik ten Hag has extended his contract at Old Trafford until June 2026.

The Old Trafford club have added Rene Hake, the previous manager of Dutch club Go Ahead Eagles, to the backroom staff, as well as Ruud van Nistelrooy as a senior coach.

It does cast some doubt over the future of current assistants Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren.

On the pitch
United are attempted to bring in Jarrad Branthwaite, although their second bid of £45m has been rejected by Everton.

That one is looking unlikely now, but a move for Lille's young star Leny Yoro is getting closer with a bid of over £50m accepted by his current club.