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Film Focus: Key Areas for England to Improve in Friendly vs. Denmark
Published: March 4, 2014
The Three Lions still have a number of friendlies on the horizon, but none before Hodgson reveals an official 30-man squad that will eventually become 23.
Morten Olsen arrives with an experimental party of Danes. Several young, untested players make the trip with no World Cup to scrupulously prep for.
Therefore, what can England hope to gain out of this friendly? Here's a look at some areas Roy Hodgson must make progress with, using clips from recent friendlies.
Control
A key element England must improve upon is their control of games.
Whenever the Three Lions tackle a top nation, or even play away from Wembley, their possession numbers dwindle at an alarming rate.
In recent home friendlies, Hodgson saw his side enjoy just 43 percent of the ball against Chile and 45 percent against Germany.
In both matches, the away side managed over 100 more passes as England resorted to a higher proportion of long balls; this also left pass completion rates between five and eight percent lower than their opponents.
Having the ball for such restricted periods makes it far harder to construct attacks, find a rhythm, enforce an approach and, essentially, create the chances to win. There won't be any comfortable games at the World Cup if England cannot keep possession better.
So, what's the problem? The main issue is the lack of players suited to a Xavi or Andrea Pirlo role: a metronomic passer, comfortable taking the ball from the centre-backs and altering the team's shape.
As this clip highlights, centre-backs are regularly in possession without an option willing to drop back and slowly move his side forward.
The most natural English options in this ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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