England finally run out of gas

Croatia 2 v England 1 (AET)

When at the start of the first period of extra time Clive Tildesley declared “Had we known before the tournament started that England would be entering extra time in the semi final of a World Cup we’d have taken it.” That is certainly true but in uttering those words he was probably trying to compensate for a first half in which England could have been home and hosed had they converted two guilt edged opportunities. First Harry Kane and then Jesse Lingard.

As it was they went in at half time only 1-0 up following an excellent Kieron Trippier free kick. But unlike France last night, who with Kante, Pogbe, Griezman and MBape defended a similar lead against a fine Belgium side, England lacked the footballing quality to win the game. In fairness, Croatia are a fine side and had they lost this semi final it would have been something of an injustice. But with the world cup draw falling somewhat fortuitously in England’s favour the team will rue those missed first half chances for many a day.

So yes, England went way beyond where anyone expected them to go and in so doing they restored the public’s pride in the national team. But if we are to be truly honest the quality of this squad can be summed up by analysing the teams whom we defeated on the way to that semi final; Tunisia, Panama, Columbia and Sweden. When finally we were faced with a team of superior technique we looked ragged. For long periods during the second half and in the second period of extra time we were unable to retain the ball resorting to the default English tactic of hoofing it hopefully up the pitch. No amount of team spirit will overcome technical deficiency.

Sadly football is not coming home but Manager Southgate has shown that a quiet cerebral approach has much to commend it. That and sticking with unsung youth at the expense of prima donnas. Pickford, Stones, McGuire and Trippier have all come of age and the team has found a level of resilience previously lacking. There is much to build on.

©Mark Brennand