England 1-0 Switzerland: 5 Talking Points

#4 Switzerland play smart but fail to take advantage from England’s defensive mistakes

Gavranoic

should have notched at least a goal

Switzerland reacted well to England’s change in approach, as they were ready to slower the tempo of the game and later try to alter it according to their benefits.

When they were robbed off the possession of England’s forward and midfield line, Switzerland decided to peg back and check the home side’s resilience to break their defensive structure.

They conceded the possession, looked to lob an occasional ball ahead but majorly tried to thwart England’s supply line from in and around the box. However, when they surged ahead, the visitors should have been more clinical when they were presented chances due to the English defence’s naivety at times.

Gareth Southgate made nine changes to the team that played against Spain and hence even custodian Jack Butland was provided a start.

The Stoke City goalkeeper looked awfully out of concentration as he provided the opposition with two strong chances, which Switzerland could not take maximum advantage of. His pass to James Tarkowski was somewhat ill-timed, and though the defender should have sorted himself too, both him and Butland are to blame for this mess up.

Similarly, except Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker to some extent, Tarkowski along with Butland nearly allowed Switzerland to take advantage of a couple of lapses in the first half.