Analysing England's Performance at the World Cup and the Road Ahead

Defence

Sweden v England: Quarter Final - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Southgate had opted to use the three men defence formation with Kyle Walker, John Stones Harry Maguire starting five of the seven matches. The defence looked solid most of the time with occasional lapses in concentration(especially against Croatia) hurting them very badly. Harry Maguire and John Stones barely put a foot wrong throughout the tournament and the duo also popped up with one and two goals respectively from the corners.

Walker also had a decent tournament on the right side of the defence. All three defenders were successfully able to implement managers philosophy of playing out from the back. Stones, Maguire and Walker had an impressive pass accuracy of 96,91 and 93 per cent respectively. Expect these three to continue in their roles for upcoming internationals. The other defenders in the squad Phil Jones and Gary Cahill were used sparingly

Kieran Trippier and Ashley Young had an excellent tournament as both of them proved to be equally competent in defence and attack. Trippier was arguably the best English player in the tournament and proved menacing with his crosses, corners and free kick deliveries. He attempted a total of 40 crosses which is highest for any player in the tournament. He also had one free kick goal and an assist to his credit.

Trippier definitely nailed the wing back position and will be an asset for England in coming years. Trippier's form also meant Alexender Arnold who had a breakthrough season at Liverpool got very limited chances to prove himself in England colours. He will be hoping to continue his development at Liverpool and provide more competition to Trippier in coming months.

One year back nobody expected Ashley young to be at the world cup but owing to his brilliant performances at left-back for Manchester United, he forced his way back into contention before eventually displacing Danny Rose. His crossing and set-piece delivery were also up to the mark. But like Cahill, this tournament might just be his last in England colours.

He will be thirty-five in time for Euro 2020 and Southgate might just be tempted to try some fresh faces for the Left Back position. Danny Rose has proved himself at international and club level in past, but his inconsistent form since return from injury forced Southgate to pick Ashley Young ahead of much younger Rose. It will be interesting to see if Luke Shaw can recapture his form for Manchester United and force his way into contention for Three Lions.