England desperately need attacking spark... but case for defence should give Euro 2024 confidence

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Amid the rampant negativity about England, how about a case for the defence?

As Gareth Southgate’s side prepare for a last-16 tie against Slovakia on Sunday, they desperately need more coherence and spark in attack.

For all their star quality up top, England have been blunt and timid in the final third, and watching them in the group stage has been an exercise in forgetting how a top-level team creates meaningful chances.

If there is a reason for optimism, however, it is at the other end of the pitch. As dull as they have been going forward, England were the meanest side defensively in the group stage.

They conceded a combined xG (expected goals) of just 1.13 across their three matches, the lowest of all 24 teams in the tournament — including the sides who, as of yesterday morning, had played just twice.

The only goal England have leaked so far in Germany was Morten Hjulmand’s screamer, and they have barely given up another presentable chance.

It has been easy to forget that coming into the tournament, England’s defence was the glaring concern, particularly following Southgate’s decision not to include Harry Maguire.

Marc Guehi, though, has been an outstanding replacement, seamlessly slotting next to John Stones and catching the eye with his assertive defending.

Guehi made two mistakes in the group stage but on both occasions recovered, racing back to tackle Denmark’s Alexander Bah and cannily fouling Slovenia forward Andraz Sporar, which earned him a booking, after misjudging a high ball.

There is, admittedly, a question over whether England have been brilliant defensively or their opponents simply lacking ambition, but it is worth noting Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia played with a front two — including celebrated forwards Aleksandar Mitrovic, Rasmus Hojlund and Benjamin Sesko.

Tournaments tend to be won by teams with a good defence. France’s successes under Didier Deschamps have been based on conservative football and individual quality in the final third.

Euro 2016 winners Portugal were a defensive, counter-punching side and even the free-flowing Spain team of 2008-2012 were built on solid foundations. They won all their knockout games at the 2010 World Cup 1-0.

If England continue to keep it tight defensively and can get a little more out of their attack, they will be well-placed to progress through the rounds

But the most relevant example is England’s own tournament runs under Southgate, notably Euro 2020, when they conceded just once en route to the final.

There have been all kinds of ideas about how Southgate can unlock England’s attacking potential in the knockouts, including Ian Wright’s suggestion of playing Bukayo Saka at left-back and widespread calls for a back-three or the introduction of Trent Alexander-Arnold for Kyle Walker.

But barring the return of left-back Luke Shaw, who will replace Kieran Trippier should he prove his fitness, Southgate is unlikely to change a successful formula at the back.

The manager will know that if England continue to keep it tight defensively and can get a little more out of their attack, they will be well-placed to progress through the rounds.

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