Tactics: Preview – England vs Chile

Alexis Sanchez

With qualification now done and dusted, England lurch into the final stretch on the road to Brazil, with just two matches and four training sessions remaining before Roy Hodgson must finalise his squad for next summer’s World Cup.

For some, the game against Chile may be the only chance to prove themselves at this level and with very few players foreseeably inked in already, there are plenty of slots in Roy Hodgson’s squad still up for grabs.

Hodgson has already confirmed that, despite backing him as his side’s number one, Joe Hart will sit out of Friday’s Wembley encounter, offering the chance for Celtic’s Fraser Forster or Norwich’s John Ruddy to cement their place as Hart’s understudy.

There will also be the chance for Southampton pair, Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez, to follow team-mate Ricky Lambert’s example and make an immediate impression on the England manager.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

England have played Chile five times previously, winning two, losing two and drawing the other.

The last time the two sides met was 15 years ago at the old Wembley, when a brilliant volley late in the first half and headed second from Marcelo Salas ruined the debut of Michael Owen.

FORMATIONS

England have been served well during the run-in of qualification by their version of 4-2-3-1, so will look to continue in this vein.

Danny Welbeck’s continued absence opens up an opportunity for Jay Rodriguez on the left of Roy Hodgson’s front four with team-mate Lallana fighting it out with Everton’s Ross Barkley for the central slot behind a lone striker.

Chile coach, Jorge Sampaoli, is very much a disciple of former Chile manager and fellow Argentinian, Marcelo Bielsa.

Bielsa led Chile to the 2010 World Cup playing an intoxicating blend of attacking, exciting football based on a 3-3-1-3 formation, with energetic pressing all over the pitch and Sampaoli has adopted the same principles, leading his side to third in South American qualifying.

Unlike England, Sampaoli has said he is sure of 80% of the squad that he will take to Brazil next year and after five wins in the their last six games Chile have started to display that old Bielsa-esq swagger again.

KEY BATTLES

Fraser Forster v John Ruddy

Despite having confirmed Joe Hart as his first pick keeper, the Manchester City stopper’s continued lapses in concentration and ever-increasing number of high-profile errors must be a concern for Roy Hodgson.

Many feel a lack of genuine competition for his place at either club or international level has not helped Hart focus on the task in hand , but aside from this, Hodgson must fear the worse if his keeper were to pick up an injury close to the tournament.

With this in mind, and with qualification secured, both Ruddy and Forster should get a chance to impress over the next week or so, most likely via 45 minutes each against Friday’s opposition.

Both are excellent shot stoppers, but both must start to show they can also command their six yard area at this level.

Ashley Cole v Leighton Baines

With Hodgson seemingly more inclined to play his strongest available side in the upcoming fixture against Germany, it will be interesting to see who starts at left back for England against Chile.

Cole has struggled to make the Chelsea side in recent weeks and, unlike Joe Hart, has not received confirmation of his first team place from Roy Hodgson despite having surpassed 100 caps for his country.

Leighton Baines’ steady rise to the top has culminated in some excellent recent performances for England in Cole’s absence. Leaving him in possession of the shirt and unlikely to be shifted easily.

Alexis Sanchez

Coach Sampaoli has said he believes Chile are genuine contenders for next years World Cup and with players such as Gary Medel, Mauricio Isla and Arturo Vidal in the side you can start to see why.

But it is the Barcelona forward, Sanchez, who fuels much of his manager’s hope.

After a slow start to his Barcelona career, the forward has flourished this year under the stewardship of Gerrardo Martino, scoring seven goals in the opening nine games this season.

If Sanchez continues his excellent early form until the end of the season and into the World Cup, Sampaoli may not be alone in his expectations for his side.