England’s attackers were outnumbered higher up the pitch, and England struggled to draw Slovenia’s central midfielders out. With a more attacking full-back advancing into the final third, such as Luke Shaw, England could turn their back four into a three, with Rice and a partner in front in a 3-2. Alternatively, England could look at pushing John Stones up a line alongside Rice, as he used to do alongside Rodri. Pushing things up one line would ask different questions of the opposition.
Lack of movement in forward line
Distribution is only one half of the story when it comes to ball progression. Passers need targets to hit and a team need players who move to receive the ball in threatening positions. Throughout the tournament, there has been a lack of mobility and off-ball running in England’s attack. Bukayo Saka was England’s best outlet in the first two games, but was starved of service against Slovenia as England’s attack tilted left. Harry Kane continues to look off the pace, and there are no stretching forwards, such as Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford, who dovetailed well with Kane previously. This is why the case for Anthony Gordon is growing stronger.
Midfielders not comfortable on the interior
In the first two games, England went with Alexander-Arnold and Rice, two players who do much of their best work for Liverpool and Arsenal receiving the ball outside of the opposition’s shape. They do this by pulling wide or dropping into the back line. One way to open up a deep defence is to have players happy receiving in tight spaces who can commit opponents. Gallagher offered no on-ball presence. Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden can, but are taking turns to do the graveyard shift wide left. Kobbie Mainoo excels at receiving the ball in these crowded scenes.
Possession as a defensive tactic
The perceived wisdom before the tournament was that England’s defence would be their downfall. While England’s players insist their intention is to play expressive, attacking football, are they using heaps of possession as a defensive tactic? Hiding the ball from opponents is an effective protection strategy, as City demonstrate. England currently look like a team who fear the consequences of losing the ball.