COPA AMERICA saw history made, where Argentina reigned over Brazil with Messi at last getting to lift a cup for his nation. That should put few debates to rest and personally a sigh of relief, who just might have a World Cup left in him.
The focus now shifts to another Continent, for a showdown between England looking to take it home and Italy wanting to take it to Rome. A lot in stake for both these countries. England with no major trophies for a long time and Italy wants to be back in its rightful place among the elite, putting to rest its abysmal elimination in the previous edition of the World Cup 2018 qualifiers.
The day when the media hype and fan frenzy can weigh upon the player’s shoulders than playing on the day’s game plan. Players may crumble under pressure and that would open up opportunity for opposition to exploit.
The Three Lions
England under Southgate have shown tremendous progress over the six matches that they have played in the EUROs. Few players have a stake in the results as well, Kane wants to announce himself as a world class striker and will like to break the title less spell as a captain. Not to mention the puns spun around his club’s dry spell as well. Shaw, Maguire, Stones and Walker will want themselves to be considered as serious contenders amongst the top defenders in the current game. Sterling, simply wants to put some of his critics to rest.
Southgate, in my opinion should go with the same team that started against Denmark, a back four, with Shaw straying into midfield with Philips and Rice, Sterling to the left, Mount behind Kane and Saka towards the right. Philips and Rice have made it a formidable midfield duo. Saka and Mount are compete team players sacrificing their likes for a better winning chance for their team, have proved it for their respective clubs, playing different positions and are doing it for their country as well. Especially Saka, a future captain in the making I presume and Arsenal fans would love me for it. England has some phase, skill and inspiration on the bench that may be put to use if need be.
The Azzurri
Mancini on the other hand will stay put with the same Azzurri team they fielded against Spain, the new arrival in the defence, Emerson has shown good conduct inspite of the void Spinazzola has left in there. But Insigne will still miss that understanding between the two. Having said that Italy has always played as a unit and backs each other so well that Emerson will only feel comfortable in there.
Buffon will be happy to see his good friend Chiellini lift that cup, Bunucci long side him are a hard nut to crack for strikers and would like to continue it today. Di Lorenzo will be expected to continue his good work this time against Sterling and will be pegged back with Shaw always in the advance. Verratti, Jörginho and Barella will look at ruling the midfield but the three did struggle a bit against the Spanish and English midfield will be no different. A good tussle to watch out for in the midfield. Immobile with not so great a game in the previous outing will be flanked by Chiesa and Insigne. I am assuming Manchini will not be experimenting with a different striker at this juncture.
The edge…
Italy may have the edge with experience on big games be it club or country, England may lack in that. With a young team, England may outdo the old guards with phase but not to underestimate the Italians on that. Fifteen to twenty minute in the beginning will be used for assessing the opponent is want I see, but if someone scores during that time, it will be a catch up that could last long into the second half. Even though the English defence has been solid, it has so far minimised the exposure of their weakness of the man in the post. Pinkford poised to take the golden Gove, may make some splendid stops but the two areas that may expose him are his lack of command over his box and helping his team play from the back. His feet is way too tentative and is panics stricken with every back pass. Donnarumma on the other side of the frame is solid when it come to that position.
My Take
With all permutation and combinations pretty much evens out the game, this one, the goalkeeper position will make all the difference is what I think.
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