Category Archives: Centre for Match Analysis

Germany completely dominated the first 35 minutes of the first-half: they used the ball neatly and played around England from the outset of the game. When England were in possession they usually tried to force the game with fruitless long … Continue reading →

England looked determined to put the memory of the Algeria fixture behind them, but their early efforts looked slightly nervous: a couple of rash challenges were made and a few errors were apparent. Fabio Capello set the team up under … Continue reading →

England put in a very listless performance against Algeria. They started strongly enough and within five minutes Steven Gerrard found himself in the box, but he made the wrong decision in eschewing a strike at goal. This lack of confidence … Continue reading →

An early goal kick-started England’s World Cup 2010, but it failed to generate substantial momentum. Before five minutes of the game had elapsed, Emile Heskey received the ball on the edge of the box – he played in Steven Gerrard … Continue reading →

Fabio Capello fielded a slightly surprising starting XI against Japan with Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon on the right and left flank respectively, with Darren Bent paired with Wayne Rooney in attack. Japan obtained a goal advantage after six minutes … Continue reading →

England were comprehensively outplayed by Mexico in the first period, yet somehow the Three Lions led 2-1 at half-time. Mexico played an assertive 4-3-3 formation, pressing England high up the pitch. James Milner and Michael Carrick were overrun in central-midfield, … Continue reading →

Egypt set up under a 3-5-2 formation and this presented England with some difficulties in the first-half. The visitors retained the ball well and made the most of their numerical advantage in midfield. England could have taken the lead within … Continue reading →

England are sailing to South Africa on a parabolic upcurve – just! With Rooney absent, this was a more conventional 4-4-2 with Peter Crouch and Gabriel Agbonlahor paired in attack. Fabio Capello also fielded two attacking wide-midfielders with Aaron Lennon … Continue reading →