World Cup 2018: Qualities of a champion

#2 Set Piece Threats

Harry Maguire heads home the first of England's 2 goals against Sweden in the Quarter-Finals.

Traditionally a team that crashes out of the World Cup in embarrassing style, this England squad have finally found a tool that has boosted them through to the Final Four. In the 2018 World Cup, England have converted 8 of their 11 goals from set pieces (free kicks, corners, or penalties). This clinical ability from spot kicks has proved devastating to their opponents and is their biggest threat as they continue to advance.

This England side are difficult to defend against because their style is both direct and intuitive. At times, the England side are pushing with pace, looking to beat wingers and thread balls into dangerous areas. With the likes of Sterling, Lingard, Trippier, Alli, Rashford, and Young, this attack hits defenses from wide and forces corners that can be converted by Harry Kane, Harry Maguire, and John Stones.

At other times, they utilize Harry Kane's strength to hold up play and earn free-kicks that can be crossed to their aerial threats. In the case where free kicks and corners aren't enough, England resort to getting their attackers in the box where they can be physical and frustrate defenses with their ability to earn penalties that can be smashed home by Kane. It seems a simple enough strategy, but this England side have mastered the ability to get spot kicks and finish where other teams so often squander opportunities.