A lesson in Pressing: Rubbish England, spirited but wasteful Brazil

Chamberlain adds bite, Jones get physical at RB

Lack of energy and will was quite visible in the midfield, and luckily for the Three Lions their manager responded unlike in the Montenegro game. Hodgson brought on Chamberlain in midfield and pushed Jones into right back. This change showed an instant impact as Chamberlain injected the much needed pace and intent to the lethargic trio in the centre, and more importantly Jones was able to handle Hulk much more successfully than Johnson.

Chamberlain’s goal was one of the rare instances in which Frank Lampard pressed up to link through the centre, and the Chamberlain’s shot from Rooney’s touch was the first instance of intent shown by England. Rooney’s goal came though the very tactic that Hodgson had tried to preach all night; defend deep and then counter. Chamberlain’s ball to Milner on the left stretched out Brazil’s defence, and with Dani Alves in attack, Rooney was able to attack from that flank. Though a slight deflection might have aided his cause, this sublime shot was the want-away United striker’s only meaningful effort all game. In a performance that is going to get him many more critics for his lethargic pressing and tracking, Rooney has further stated his case at not being included in midfield rather than attack.

Though the English players must have warmed hearts at home after this result, their performance here leaves much more to be desired. Firstly with this tactic of holding shape and defending deep is not going to win them anything, as the team doesn’t have enough potential to break out on the counter. Walcott is clearly not going to improve any further, so the best bet would be introduce pace in midfield; Chamberlain’s arrival clearly showed this. The return of Jack Wilshere and Tom Cleverley could not be more eagerly anticipated by fans, as the duo along with the occasional tinge of Phil Jones would definitely improve the ‘energetic pressing’ woes.

As for Brazil, Scholari needs to get things sorted out in attack as all the 3 attackers always seem to place their individual skills ahead of the team. Neymar and Hulk particularly need to be smoothened into the setup, as in Fred they have a sublime finisher to work with. Scholari’s best player on the night was his substitute Hernanes and with the midfielder playing in a deeper role than his usual in Lazio, he was able to control proceedings very well. Hernanes’ presence also allowed Paulinho to get his box-to-box stuff going which then resulted in the late equalizer.