England - The Next Opponent

England made it through group play while surrendering only one goal.  Since the knockout stage began, they’ve posted clean sheets against Cameroon and Norway.  While that is true, it may also be irrelevant.  Take Germany, for instance.  When Germany entered the quarterfinal against Sweden, they had not given up a goal in the tournament.  Yet, Sweden managed to score twice and won the game, knocking the Germans out of the tournament.  But England is not to be taken lightly.  They dismantled Norway in the quarterfinal without any problem.  They had some struggles in group play, but against Norway they played what is unarguably their best game of the World Cup tournament.  What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Lionesses?

Strengths

1.      They start fast.  Four of their eleven goals have come before the 15th minute. The only game in which England has not scored a first half goal was a 1-0 win over Argentina. They attack through the right side with Lucy Bronze charging forward from right back and linking with Nikita Parris in particular. Crystal Dunn and Kelley O’Hara need a similar effort against England that they had against France.  Midfielder Jill Scott is another that presents a clear and present danger to the U.S. with her well-timed runs into the penalty box.  Ellen White has scored as many goals as both Alex Morgan [who hasn’t scored since the first game against Thailand] and Megan Rapinoe.

2.      Depth.  Coach Phil Neville has a group that has competition in every single position.  He likes to start different lineups every game.  Those that don’t start come off the bench with a chip on their shoulders.  With an ever-changing starting lineup, that makes it hard for opponents to make a good game plan.

3.      Controlling possession.  England have dominated the ball in most of the games they have played in France and possess a comfort in possession.  32-year-old Jill Scott’s experience is key to this style of play.  At 5’11”, she dictates the tempo.   While controlling possession is a key indicator on the outcome of any game, it isn’t absolute.  The US had possession of the ball on forty percent of the game against France, yet they won 2-1.  For every rule, there is an exception.

Weaknesses

1.      Defense.   England doesn’t have many weaknesses, but their defense is somewhat suspect. England’s defenders are so involved in attacking and scoring, but having their defenders so far forward leaves them vulnerable to the counterattack.  As Sweden did to Germany, England is vulnerable to the long ball.  England’s defense is mistake-prone.  Despite their clean sheets against Japan and Argentina, England’s lapses on defense, especially in the second half, gave both teams opportunities to score – they just didn’t cash in.  Their clean sheets against those teams had more to do with their opponents’ inability to capitalize on England’s defensive lapses rather than their own skill in defending. Another lapse against Scotland turned a comfortable 2-0 lead into a 2-1 nail-biter.  England’s defenders are also vulnerable to speedy attackers.  Also, they get caught “ball watching” rather than marking their assignments.

2.      Not closing the deal.  England can control possession, but thus far they haven’t turned that possession advantage into goals. They aren’t as ruthless as they could be.  If they discover a killer instinct that they haven’t displayed yet, the US could be in trouble.

The US and England met earlier this year in the SheBelieves Cup.  The two sides played to a 2-2 draw, with England winning the four-team round-robin tournament.  The teams are no strangers to each other.  Despite their struggles in group play, England finally put it all together against Norway.  I expect that consistency to continue, but if the Americans get off to a fast start as is their wont, the Lionesses could fall back into bad habits.  I expect a good game.