Nichols: Harry Kane is England’s only true world class player
Photo Credit: Getty Images/FIFA
James Nichols: No need for joy or hysteria. England punching exactly at their weight
by James Nichols, Cascadia and Mid-Annandale Manager
As the lights turned off at Wembley on Saturday night, with the grumblings about the referee still ringing in supporters’ ears, Gareth Southgate could be forgiven for harbouring a sense of belief that his squad is moving forwards.
With Fabian Delph at the ripe old age of 28, the senior statesman in the squad, the future looks bright. Luke Shaw performed well upon his return to the international scene, assisting the goal for Marcus Rashford, until an unfortunate injury ended his night. A solid performance from Liverpool defender Joe Gomez will also be encouraging. The depth of the English squad looks strong.
In terms of the game itself, England lost but had chances, Rashford being the main recipient. Undoubtedly, the difference in the sides was the quality of play in the final third. Spain looked fluid and incisive, England creating but not often getting in behind the Spanish defence.
After a World Cup littered with English set-piece success, ironically the Spanish winner came via this source. A lack of a block on a runner and a neat finish from Rodrigo proving to be the difference between the two sides.
However, Southgate will leave the griping to others and realise that the limitations of his squad were laid bare. Had they been as clinical as Spain they could well have achieved a result.
The euphoria of the World Cup has finished. It was a reality as to where England really are in the new world order: a good international side with one true world-class player in Harry Kane. Their opposition boasted Sergio Ramos and Sergio Busquets – winners of Euro 2012 and lifted the 2010 World Cup. Ramos was also part of the Spanish squad which lifted the Euro 2008 title, too. as well as players who have tasted Champions League glory at club level in Dani Carvajal and Sergi Roberto.
Luis Enrique inherited a side with a winning pedigree at both club and international level. Southgate is trying to foster a similar mentality.
England are moving forward as a team, and they have good young players who are competing with the best teams in the world. But they aren’t equal.
This is a developing squad. The next step in their development is to be able to break down the better teams, an aspect of their game which was exposed in three defeats in Russia and on Saturday evening.
A tough group awaits in the UEFA Nations League, pitted against former world champions as well as the most recent losing World Cup finalists as they will square off against Croatia in Group A4.
England’s third defeat in a row is by no means due to bad luck, they have fallen short at the big moments of big games. As we saw in the World Cup, England relied heavily on set plays. Southgate’s understanding of player’s limitations was key to their success, now he is tasked with enhancing current weaknesses to make them a strength.
It would be unfair to judge the England manager on the results against the big sides just yet. Under Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello, they were correctly judged on the quality of players available. It’s important that Southgate is afforded the same courtesy especially with the pool of talent slowly becoming deeper.
Where in recent times, Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell were in World Cup dream teams, John Stones and Harry Maguire are yet to carry the same authority, but there are signs. Similarly if you replace Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes and Steve Gerrard with Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard and Jordan Henderson, their statistical comparison is a no-contest, but this is a different breed of England player.
The harsh reality is against better teams opportunities are limited. England see less of the ball against, win less corners, less free kicks in the attacking third and generate less scoring opportunities.
They seem more comfortable in possession, but as witnessed last night and previously against Croatia and Belgium, possession has to have a purpose.
It is to move the opposition to create space to play forward. England’s possession was mainly in front of the Spanish team, and centrally Spain had the better playmakers.
England’s next competitive game, away to Croatia on October 12 is big as far as the UNL goes. Defeat would signify four straight losses in competitive games and questions will be asked if it is time to roll the dice again.
Southgate phased out players who had gone stale in the national setup, a decision that in itself represents bravery and commitment to the cause. A vision is in place, but the wait coated-manager will need time for it to be realised.
Prost International
UEFA Nations League
