Is it coming home? Many England fans believe so, but before the Three Lions can win the World Cup, they must first overcome Sweden in the quarter-final.
Their campaign so far should give Southgate’s men confidence. A defeat to Belgium in their final group game was the only negative result up until now. Here’s everything you need to know about England’s journey so far.
England at the 2018 World Cup
Games: 4
Wins: 3
Losses: 1
Goals scored: 9
Goals conceded: 4
Top scorer: Harry Kane (6)
Scores: Tunisia 1-2 England, England 6-1 Panama, England 0-1 Belgium, Colombia (3) 1-1 England (4)
Key stats
1998 - Jordan Pickford was the first England goalkeeper to save a penalty in a penalty shoot-out at a major tournament since David Seaman at World Cup 1998 against Argentina. Crucial.#COLENG #ENG #WorldCup #ThreeLions pic.twitter.com/qdwp7zRezO
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 3, 2018
6 - Harry Kane is the first player to score in six consecutive England appearances since Tommy Lawton in 1939. Reliable. #COLENG #ENG #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/fYbZ622WfD
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 3, 2018
1 - England have won a penalty shoot-out at the World Cup for the first time. Ecstasy.#COLENG #ENG #WorldCup #ThreeLions pic.twitter.com/QNqLl6kMuD
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 3, 2018
Formation
Gareth Southgate prefers a three-in-the-back setup. As a result, their formation throughout the competition has been 3-5-2, 3-3-2-2 to be exact. The Three Lions lack creative players such as Brazil and Belgium, but they make up for this with their work-rate.
Harry Kane is strong, especially in set pieces. Lingard, Alli, and Sterling offer great pace while Ashley Young and Kieran Trippier support the attack as wing-backs.
Key players
Harry Kane – he isn’t the tournament’s top scorer for no reason. While most of his goals have come from penalties and set-pieces, six of England’s nine goals have been scored by him.
Harry Maguire – the Leicester man has been a solid presence in an England defense that has appeared shaky in some instances. Against Sweden, he will be key in stopping their opponent’s counter-attack.
Kieran Trippier – he has been one of England’s standout performers. While he does not have goals under his belt like fellow defender John Stones, but he has made the wing-back role his own and offers a lot in attack with his speed and crosses.
Broadcast info
Spieldetails, Ergebnis und ursprüngliche Sendungsinfo
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