The World Cup edges closer and closer and at this point most national teams already have an idea of how they want their sides to look from a tactical and personnel perspective and England are no different. The three Lions have built a strong team and have great options in all positions. Squad depth will be something that will increase the odds for England at the 2022 World Cup. In the piece, we take a look at the Three Lions’ midfield and how good they are.
For this piece, we’ll make reference to the England stars used during Euro 2020
England’s key midfield names
England’s success in recent times has come as a result of their consistency with respect to the system they play. At the Euros, they played with a three/five at the back formation, with a foundation built on defensive solidity and effective transitions. Apart from having solid central defenders, their midfielders were a huge part of their system and why it worked so well. Those midfielders were Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice.
They’re both well rounded midfielders that can do both defensive and offensive work effectively and complement each other by covering for weaknesses with their own strengths.
Defensively, both of them ranked highest in the tackles plus interceptions stats on the England squad at the last Euros, with Rice having 32 total tackles plus interceptions and Phillips having 24 total tackles plus interceptions at the Euros.
When you take a closer look at those numbers Declan Rice’s 19 interceptions which is more than Kalvin Phillips’ 8, while Kalvin Phillips 16 tackles is more than Declan Rice’s 13. Both players were exceptional when it came to patrolling the midfield, covering gaps left by attackers and protecting the back line as England left the tournament with a strong defensive record.
Going forward, both midfielders have similar statistics showing that they were not required to carry as much offensive load (goals and assists) but their pass completion rate indicate how effective both of them are at recycling possession, keeping it simple and being key links between defense and attack.
Declan Rice had a pass completion rate of 92.7%, 3.05 progressive passes per 90 minutes with 0.34 passes into the 18 yard box and 0 expected assists. Kalvin Phillips had an 86.7% pass completion rate, 2.03 progressive passes per 90 minutes, 0.81 passes into the 18 yard box and 0.04 expected assists. You can tell with those numbers what their roles midfield in terms of when the team is in possession of the ball are. Both players are really talented offensively and have consistently shown it at club level, with Declan Rice showing constant improvement in his offensive play but it would take a change in approach from Gareth Southgate to let them take play a little more.
Mason Mount
The Chelsea midfielder didn't play at all in the opening game of the tournament but started every other game afterwards, playing almost every minute or every game for England. His workrate, tactical intelligence and ability to find space, made him a good option for Gareth Southgate at the attacking midfield position.
Mason Mount didn't get an assist in the tournament but had a xA rating of 1.1 during the Euros, which was only bettered by Luke Shaw who had a 1.2 xA with three assists. Mount had a steady 81% pass completion rate, 1.76 Key passes per 90, 1.37 passes into the 18 yard box per 90 and 2.35 progressive passes.
His defensive work rate and application is greatly summed up by his 119 total pressures during the Euros. It was the second highest number on the England team. He's always a willing option to get the ball to between the lines as well as being a threat from set pieces.
Rotation options
Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool captain came off the bench in five of their seven games at the tournament, starting none and would expect his role to remain the same as long as there are no complications with the starters.
A strong leader and character to have on the bench, Jordan Henderson’s intangible qualities allows him to come onto the pitch at key times of the game and effects their mentality.
Whether it's telling them to stay switched on to protect a lead or it's demanding more from them as they look to push for important goals, his on ball skills also makes him an asset off the bench as he is good at controlling the pace and tempo of the game. His 85% passing accuracy is well proving of that claim. Henderson also had 0 xA, 1.18 passes into the 18 yard box and 5.29 progressive passes.
Jude Bellingham
The ultra-talented 19 year old will be looking to play a bigger role off the bench than he did at the Euros since breaking into the starting lineup might not be likely if everybody is fit at the moment. He only played three games off the substitute bench for The Three Lions but his talents are undeniable. If all goes well for Jude, he may be one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
England’s midfield is filled with talented players in and out of the main squad. Their continuity in terms of their style of football as well as their strength and quality in depth means that they are likely to go to Qatar feeling like they have the tools to go all the way.
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