After losing the friendly match to Brazil 0-1 on March 24, England had the last friendly match in FIFA Days in March with Belgium at Wembley Stadium in the early morning of March 27. Midfielder Youri Tielemans was the player who scored twice for the away team while Toney and Jude Bellingham were the scorers for the home team, thereby the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
This clash brings a new perspective on Southgate’s upcoming Euro plans, here are the notable things.
Kobbie Mainoo is ready
During the recent international break, Mainoo was initially only called up to the England U21 squad, but realizing the young star’s improved performance, Southgate immediately called up the Man United midfielder to the England squad. And fortunately for the 53-year-old strategist, while he did not know who to choose to partner with Jude Bellingham and Declan in midfield, Mainoo appeared.
The Red Devils’ “kid” showed that he was not overwhelmed in his first appearance on the England team, especially with his confident performance against giants like Brazil and Belgium recently. Conor Gallagher’s boring performance and Jordan Henderson’s age problem are the premise for Southgate to put his trust in Mainoo in the upcoming Euro.
Phil Foden plays wide
Southgate seems to intend to use Foden in a broader role, even though this player did not reach his full potential when playing like that at Man City. Jude Bellingham is England’s number 10, but fans hope Foden can coordinate with the Real star to create havoc in the center.
Like the Brazil match, Foden was ineffective when playing freely against Belgium and had difficulty influencing the attack as a deep-lying midfielder in the second half.
Maddison may be eliminated
This is evidence of England’s superior squad depth when an excellent player like James Maddison can be eliminated from Euro 2024. The Tottenham star was not allowed to play in the match against Brazil and was only allowed to play for more than 10 minutes. 15 minutes in the match against Belgium.
It seems unreasonable that Maddison is in good form at the club, but it is understandable because Southgate has too many options, this is definitely an uncomfortable headache for the strategist born in 1970.
Diagram 4-2-3-1
Southgate has used many tactical schemes over the past eight years with England but there is not much variety at FIFA Days this March. Facing Brazil and Belgium, the Three Lions maintained a 4-2-3-1 system and it is likely that this will be the main formation in the summer.
This strategy allows Bellingham to confidently advance and impact the attack, while providing enough personnel to cover the defense, a position that has been England’s “Achilles heel” for many years.
Henderson’s time is over
Henderson used to be Southgate’s irreplaceable player but that has now ended. The Ajax midfielder sat on the bench in the match against Brazil and was not even on the official list of players participating in the match against Belgium.
Mainoo and Gallagher compete for the remaining midfield position alongside Rice and Bellingham, so Henderson is not welcome at the moment. He may arrive in Germany with a bit of experience for England’s midfield but don’t expect him to start throughout the tournament.
Jarrod Bowen played well
Although England received unsatisfactory results, Jarrod Bowen had an encouraging performance. He showed good form at West Ham and maintained it with England. As one of the few direct wingers that Southgate has at his disposal, Bowen is likely to go to Germany this summer.
