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#4 The side has evolved since their World Cup success
While England didn’t win the 2018 World Cup in Russia, it’s safe to say that the tournament was a huge success for the Three Lions. Gareth Southgate’s side went into the competition as rank outsiders, but ended up making a rousing run to the semi-finals – breaking their penalty hoodoo along the way – before coming up short against Croatia after extra-time.
The one criticism of the campaign? England never truly defeated a top-class opponent, as their wins came against Tunisia, Panama, Colombia and Sweden. But since the World Cup ended, Southgate’s side have evolved even further – and critics can no longer use the lack of wins over top competition against them, as they beat both Spain and Croatia in UEFA Nations League action.
Furthermore, Southgate has evolved away from the 3-5-2 formation that served England well in Russia and has installed a more dynamic 4-3-3 system in its place, a tactic which seems to be getting the best out of key players like Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane, and which also appears to allow the Three Lions to dismantle overmatched opponents – something they’ve historically struggled with.
This continual evolution is expected to continue into Euro 2020 – perhaps not with another change of system, but more in personnel, as younger talent like Callum Hudson-Odoi become more comfortable with top-level football. And if England’s previous version could get to a World Cup semi-final, then surely the next evolution can see them win Euro 2020.
