After a stunning effective first 20 mins of attacking verve, its fair to say England’s opening World Cup 2018 match against Tunisia very nearly descended into a familiar stop and start tournament draw.
However, thanks to newly knighted English hero Harry Kane, the three Lions are expected to roar into the worlds premier competition at a canter, with the underwhelming presence of Panama the only thing stopping them, with odds better than on any online casino guide.
Bristling self esteem, or fool hardy over confidence, lets take a deeper dive into England’s next encounter.
Team changes
Yes their may have been signs of English-esque choking 60 minutes through complimented by some more than iffy defending under pressure, it can’t be denied however that Gareth Southgates army of fleet footed attackers bossed Tunisa throughout. A complete team overhall would no doubt do more damage than good to a well balanced team.
Saying that, it seems Raheem Sterlings place is up for contention given the fact that livewire Marcus Rashford looked extremely busy when entering the fray. Equally Ruben Loftus Cheek grabbed the attention of his manager with fine cameo, the Chelsea player’s performance looking like its enough to gain a starting place against Panama given a slight knock on Dele Alli.
Sterling to play?
Given his managers stern defence of the young player amidst tabloid tattle prior to the tournament, it’s clear that Southgate rates Sterling above many of his squad. Whilst the Premier League winners pace and guile is without equal in the England team, the player continued to missed a couple of guilt edge chances against the North Africans. If indeed the gaffer did decide to rest his prized asset against the Panamanians, he can thank his lucky stars that enough young prodigal is ready to slide into his place.
He may only be 20 years of age, however Marcus Rashford has given glimpes of frightning talent over the last two seasons. Not only is the United man capabale of creating for his team mates, he also pocesses a penchent for important goals – a vauable asset given ENglands apparent loss of bottle with simple chances.
The Opposition
They may have held an extremely talented Belgium for 40 mins, Panama nevertheless showed little in the name of threatening attacking football in their tournament opener. An ageing side lacking any real pace, you can be asssured England opponents will be more than happy sit deep, there only real supply of goals coming in the form of rattling England backline with free-kicks and corners.
As much as they illustrious opponents drarf them in talent, Panama will take much comfort in the large amounts of experience they possess – it may be, after all, something they’ll need to fall back on if the Three Lions are on ruthless form.