Estonia vs. England: Analysing Hodgson’s Diamond Ahead of Euro 2016 Qualifier

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: October 11, 2014

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With six points in the bag and a hunger to wrap up qualification for Euro 2016 as quickly as possible, England head to Estonia in strong form and eager for more success.

The 5-0 demolition of San Marino was hardly a test, but Roy Hodgson's post-match comments suggest a continuation of the midfield diamond. Let's take a tactical look at it ahead of the fixture, analysing how it stacks up after two outings in 2014.

 

Three out of four...

"I've been pleased with it [the diamond] over the last two games. I don't see any reason to change at the moment," Roy Hodgson told reporters after the game against San Marino.

"The wing-half positions (left/right central midfield in the four) we know are strong; we have players who can do that job. We're not short of players, and it's interesting that [Adam] Lallana was every bit as dangerous and inventive as Raheem Sterling in the diamond."

"It's nice to know James Milner can go and play the deeper position, too."

Hodgson's happy with his options, and he's beginning to realise he's got plenty of choices for three of the four midfield roles. England have Jordan Henderson, Fabian Delph, James Milner and more capable of playing as box-to-box shuttlers; Lallana, Sterling, Wayne Rooney and more can play at the tip.



The "wing-halves," as he archaically labels them, need speed, dynamism, energy and an all-round skill set. Milner, in full flow, is the ideal flat CM for this position, and Henderson's endless energy is a welcome boost here.

Lallana plays quick passes and utilises the clever positions he takes up better than any English player, and Sterling offers a greater dribbling threat in space. Ideal.

 

The troublesome spot

As rosy as three of the positions look, choosing who to play at the base is an issue that will frequently furrow Hodgson's brow.

Speaking pu...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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