England’s midfield balance – 2022 World Cup Analysis

In light of Mason Mount's lack of form at the start of the 2022 World Cup and in the recent months for Chelsea, Gareth Southgate has since opted for an experienced pairing of Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson at the base of the midfield, pushing the fresh legs of 19-year-old Jude Bellingham further forward. This has worked like a charm, bringing out the best in each of Southgate's midfield men, and allowing Bellingham to play some of his best football of his career thus far under the freedom of an advanced role. Here is why the balance of England's midfield has been so successful in recent matches, and why the trio could be the key to success in unlocking France.

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Gareth Southgate – England – Tactical Analysis – World Cup 2022

Three games down and England have made it out of Group B with seven points, on nine goals scored and two allowed. It sounds dominant, but skepticism remains among fans across the country as to how the Three Lions will react against a higher-quality, more expansive footballing side. USA were a tough matchup: tight marking and possession-oriented. Yet, England’s squad should still have blasted past the young Americans without too much trouble. Senegal next, and without Sadio Mané, they also lack world class talent; but their high pressing game and expert transitional attacks make them a dangerous opponent in the Round of 16. Here is our analysis of Gareth Southgate's England at the 2022 World Cup, after the group stage.

UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Final – England 2-1 Germany – Match Analysis

England have finally done it. For the first time since 1966, England have won a major international tournament. Sarina Wiegman's team have been the undeniable best team at this summer's Euros, conceding just 2 goals, and scoring 22 in the process. After a hard-fought battle with Germany in the final, England came out as deserved winners of the tournament, but not without the help of their mighty substitutes. Here is our analysis of the match, and the brilliance of England all summer long.

England 4-0 Sweden – UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 – Match Analysis

Sweden might be the second best nation in the world on FIFA World Rankings, but on the pitch, they were easily second best in Tuesday night's semi-final. England on the other hand performed admirably and with a clinical verve, even if some unwanted discrepancies crept into their performance. In the end, Sarina Wiegman's team produced the goods when required, and now move onto the final with the chance to lift the country's first ever senior European Championships title, at their home ground, Wembley. Unfortunately for the Swedes, their worst showing of the tournament sends them home without a prayer; however, their attention can now be aimed towards a place at the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The myth of Nick Pope’s ‘poor’ distribution

Leading up to both the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 (which famously took place in 2021), a common commentary surrounded Nick Pope, and the potential reasons for Southgate's favouritsm toward Jordan Pickford. "Pope's distribution isn't as good," was said on repeat, almost as though all the pundits of the English game together as one big monster blob out to slight Nick Pope and find justifications for something that few were willing to admit made little sense. Despite Nick Pope's heroics at Burnley for the past five years, and the potential that he will keep them in the Premier League almost single-handedly for another season, Pickford remains England's firm number one.

Futbol Masterminds – Italy Win Euro 2020, England’s Penalty Woes, and Southgate’s Substitutions

Kausty and Rhys break down their thoughts from the final match between England and Italy, including Gareth Southgate's substitutions, England's penalty woes, and the Player of the Tournament going to Gianluigi Donnarumma. Be sure to follow the show @futbolmasterminds on Twitter and subscribe via Spotify and Itunes!

Euro 2020 Final – Italy vs. England – Tactical Analysis

Euro 2020 has officially come to a close, with Italy crowned as tournament kings. England gave a mighty effort in the final to stop Italy from taking the crown, but as the match wore on there was only going to be one winner, and that was Roberto Mancini's Italy. Nonetheless, the final proved to be an intriguing tactical battle. We break it all down in our Euro 2020 Final tactical analysis.

The Mastermind Monthly Magazine – June 2021

Calling all subscribers to TheMastermindSite.com, our Monthly Magazine for June 2021 has now arrived. This month's issue features an analysis of England's 2-1 win over Denmark and Italy's 2-1 win over Belgium.

Futbol Masterminds – Italy and England Through to the Final! But Who Will Win?

Following the conclusion of the Euro 2020 semi-finals, the Futbol Masterminds break down the semi-final games between Italy and Spain + Denmark and England. Declan then tries to convince John and Victor why Italy will win, with Victor and John pushing back with echoes of "It's coming home." Follow @futbolmasterminds on Instagram to see more … Continue reading Futbol Masterminds – Italy and England Through to the Final! But Who Will Win?

Euro 2020 Semi-Finals Recap

The semi-finals of Euro 2020 were full of drama and heart, as Italy and England progressed to the final. Italy beat Spain in a penalty shootout that saw Spanish players Dani Olmo and Álvaro Morata go from heroes to villains. In England’s match against Denmark, they were finally able to break through their 55 year old semi-final ceiling at major tournaments, reaching their first final since 1966. Here is our quick semi-final recap.

Italy vs. England – Euro 2020 Final – Tactical Preview

After the craziness of the Round of 16 resulted in France, Germany and Portugal all being eliminated from the competition, the match that was expected to take place in the Euro 2020 final will now come to fruition. Italy and England have been the two best teams at the tournament, and the only two teams to not only go unbeaten, but win all of their games up to this point. Here is a tactical preview of the Euro 2020 final battle between Italy and England.

Futbol Masterminds – Quarter Final Breakdown and Semi-Final Predictions!

Following the conclusion of all four Quarter Final match-ups, the Futbol Masterminds discuss the winners and losers of the round, and make their bold predictions for the semi-finals. Follow @futbolmasterminds on Instagram to see more of the show and subscribe via Itunes and Spotify!

England – Euro 2020 – Tactical Analysis

Having progressed to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, many picked England as favourites to steal the crown at this summer's Euros. Now heading into the Quarter Finals of the tournament, Gareth Southgate's team remain unbeaten, without having conceded a single goal. Here is our tactical analysis of England at the Euros so far, and their chances of winning it all.