Goals from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane fired England to a 2-0 victory over Germany on Tuesday, sending them through to the quarter finals of Euro 2020.
The win gave Southgate’s side their first knockout win over Germany in 55 years, to the jubilation of 40,000 fans inside Wembley Stadium.
Amidst a tense affair, it was England’s leading scorer Raheem Sterling who turned in a Luke Shaw cross in the 75th minute to round off a swift England move and put them 1-0 up.
Thomas Muller squandered a glorious chance to equalise 5 minutes later, having been sent through 1 on 1 after a wayward Raheem Sterling pass.
Harry Kane headed in substitute Jack Grealish’s cross after a strong run from Luke Shaw for England’s second in the 86th minute, securing the win over the Germans to progress to the next round.
The substitution of Jack Grealish late on bred new life into England, helping to overload the middle of the park and facilitate Luke Shaw’s bombing runs, contributing to both England goals.
It sets up a quarter final tie against Ukraine in Rome this Saturday at 8pm, after they secured a 2-1 extra time win over Sweden.
Ukraine represent an interesting challenge for England, whose path to the final no longer contains any of the pre tournament favourites. The last round saw many of the underdogs put in good showings, including Switzerland beating France on penalties, so England cannot take any team for granted.
Ukraine's victory against Sweden showcased a continuation of their performances from the group stage: fearless, adventurous, but susceptible.
Their biggest threat during the game against Sweden, and during the group stage, is their willingness to fill the box for crosses, looking to create chaos.
Here Yarmolenko has driven into the box and is looking to cross. 3 of his teammates have broken forward to join him, providing 3 different options, with the attack ultimately forcing a save from the Swedish keeper.
This pattern of play emerges once again, with Yarmolenko looking to cross and the same 3 players in the box looking to attack.
The Swedish defence is drawn in towards the ball, leaving Zinchenko free at the far post. The ball falls to the left back who smashes it in on the half volley to give Ukraine the lead.
Deep into added time, Ukraine continue to commit players into the box. Zinchenko delivers a ball in from deep, with 4 Ukraine players attacking. Dovbyk gets in between two Swedish defenders and heads in the winner to put his side through to the quarter finals.
The pressure Ukraine put on by flooding the box is something England are going to have to be wary of. England's fullbacks are going to have to work hard to stop crosses into the box, and the defensive midfielders are going to have to track late runners to allow Maguire and Stones to focus on dealing with the crosses.
However, Ukraine's main strength has also been their biggest weakness.
Their willingness to commit players forward has led to their opposition creating dangerous counter attacking opportunities in each of their games so far this tournament.
In their game against Sweden, Ukraine allowed a 5 on 4. Isak drew two defenders towards him, freeing up a through ball to Forsberg, who was able to get a strike on goal, hitting the base of the post.
In their opening group game, the Netherlands were able to break with a 2 on 2 following a poor pass from Zinchenko in midfield. Depay was able to isolate his man, take him on and force a good stop from the Ukraine keeper.
A fast break resulted in the Netherlands' opening goal against Ukraine as they were able to create a 3 on 3 with Wijnaldum joining from deep. The cross was palmed out from the keeper, falling to Wijnaldum who was able to fire the ball into the net.
Against Austria, a 2 on 1 counter attack arose, gifting Arnautovic a great opportunity which he mishit wide.
Each of these opportunities were created from Ukraine pushing men forward and turning the ball over before they could put a cross in. This is something England should be able to capitalise on using the pace of Sterling and Saka, and the creativity of Kane and Grealish.
As long as England are able to prevent the cross, or deal with it when it does come in, there should be space on the counter to exploit.
Prediction: England 2 - 0 Ukraine
In Arsenal news, Kieran Tierney signed a 5-year contract extension last Friday, committing his future to Arsenal until 2026.
The Scottish left back has been excellent since arriving in North London, becoming a key player for Arsenal and quickly establishing himself as a fan favourite.
Tierney's attitude in particular has been exceptional, always showing fight and determination, even when those around him have not, and he has proven himself to be a real leader on the pitch. Tierney has put himself in line for the captaincy with the likes of Aubameyang, Lacazette, Bellerin and Xhaka all looking likely to move on over the next 2 years.
Despite his injury struggles, he is an integral part of the team and a new deal keeping him at Arsenal until 2026 is a great move.
To help cover for Tierney's injury issues, Arsenal are reportedly close to signing Nuno Tavares from Benfica for £6.9 million to provide cover at left back.
The 21-year old Portuguese fullback has made 41 appearances for Benfica over the past 2 seasons, registering 1 goal and 7 assists. He is a tricky fullback who is good at beating his man and carrying the ball.
His offensive game should help to replicate what Tierney brings to the team, however his defensive awareness has room for improvement.
His age and fee make this a low risk signing for Arsenal who hopefully have found their left back cover.
Adam Perry - 02/07/2021