World Cup 2018: Three things England must change in order to reach the final

The Three Lions of England face an uphill task if they are to reach the 2018 World Cup final in Russia. The young side has already outdone itself by reaching the quarter-final for the first time since 2006 and there is already debate on whether or not the team can go all the way.

England manager Gareth Southgate has also proven that he is the right man for the job despite facing some criticism over selecting a relatively youthful squad.

Traditionally, England has always had big stars at a World Cup but very few have actually matched or at the very least attempted to replicate the heroics of the 1966 team that lifted the World Cup on home soil.

This year's edition has proven to be a competition of upsets with favourites Argentina, Portugal, Spain and even defending champions Germany sent packing before the quarter-final stage.

Their exit has opened the door for teams such as England who now stand a chance to make their mark in Russia.

England had a relatively easy group to navigate through and did not face a strong test until their last group match against Belgium. Even then, they had already secured qualification to the last 16 and fielded an under-strength side.

We cannot classify debutants Panama and Tunisia as quality opposition can we? However, in the last 16, England faced their first real test of the World Cup in the shape of Colombia.

This match was a clear indication that something needs to change in Southgate's team as they prepare to face tougher nations ahead.

Here's a look at three things England must do in order to reach the finals of the FIFA World Cup 2018.

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#3 Tactics

Southgate needs to change some of his tactics

Against Colombia, he was at times exposed because the South Americans were pushing forward in numbers. The other midfielders around Henderson like Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli are naturally offensive minded. Alli, in particular, has not had the best of times in the World Cup.

Also, they lack the physical presence to stop a well-organized midfield that France and Brazil have. Southgate needs to deploy another physically endowed midfielder to support Henderson.

Southgate has preferred and stuck to a 3-5-2 formation since November last year. It can be argued that England have won most of those matches in that period. It is with that same premise that Southgate used in his decision to leave out Chris Smalling from his squad selection.

They are at an advanced stage of a major competition and can no longer afford to play with one holding midfielder. Jordan Henderson has been superb in that holding midfield role in front of the back three.

The obvious choice Eric Dier who scored the decisive penalty against Colombia. Dier has the height and physical power to stop attackers and offers a serious threat on set pieces.

Southgate is unlikely to change his formation at this point of the competition so deploying the right kind of players is critical for him and more importantly England.

#2 Raheem Sterling

Sterling has not replicated his Manchester City form

Southgate needs to drop him and go with other attacking options. Marcus Rashford is an energetic and fast striker who makes good forward runs and is a typical defender's nightmare.

Although he too has had scoring issues, Rashford can open up the play for other players to apply the final touch.

Jamie Vardy is a clinical striker who can also do the job. Vardy does not need a second invitation to find the target.

At the moment. either of those players stand a better chance to influence the game than Sterling. Only time will tell if Southgate sticks to his blind loyalty to Sterling or not.

Sterling is undoubtedly a top talent and came into this World Cup on the backdrop of a superb season with Manchester City. He scored 23 goals for the English champions last season.

This without a shroud of doubt earned him a deserved spot in England's squad. However, he has played 41 times for his country but only scored twice.

We are at a stage of the competition where Southgate needs to crack the whip. Sterling has had more than enough chances to prove his worth as starter alongside Harry Kane.

#1 Defending set pieces

England conceded from a corner against Colombia

England will definitely be tested going forward and need to be sharp even if they have only conceded one goal through open play. Sweden will fancy compact play and long balls into the box for target man Marcus Berg.

Their potential semi-final opponents Russia and Croatia are also dynamic on set plays. There are little qualms about England's set pieces offensively.

Kane has already scored three penalties and England have been clinical on set pieces with three headed goals.

There has been a sense of weakness when it comes to defending set pieces. This was exploited well by Colombia's Yerry Mina as he lost Harry Maguire in the build to their late equaliser.

Man management tactics are critical for Southgate especially at the tail end of matches. Big teams with the ambition to win the World Cup should defend efficiently right up to the last minute so England now has to switch gears to end decades of disappointment tournament after tournament.

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