Englands disappointing defeat at the Czech Republic could have been down to numerous players heading into the international break in club form that was inferior, based on Harry Maguire.
After the 2-0 defeat of Friday, England have surrendered eight goals in their five matches. In that moment, Southgate has selected the back.
Maguire, who played alongside Danny Rose Michael Keane and Kieran Trippier at Prague, has been the sole mainstay in the defence since November and is keen to find a .
Asked if there was a lack of confidence among the back-line Maguire responded:Yes, possibly.
We deliver our club football into global level. It was a game. Dont get me wrong, we started cluttered. We took the lead at the match but we did not deserve to.
The second half we controlled the game a lot more compared to the first half we gave them a sloppy goal to win the match. We do need to improve on that.
Obviously youre wanting to build partnerships. Occasionally in international level you cant really do that.
You have players that arent playing with their clubs so that they do not get selected, and you have players that pick up accidents.
Youve got to accommodate. That is one of the parts of playing each camp you playing with players, soccer – you dont need to be – and also will need to develop partnerships.
But listen, there is no explanations. We need to become greater than Friday night. We will need to be going forward. We need to be better on the ball. And we certainly will need to be better in keeping the ball from the internet.
England might have sealed their qualification for Euro 2020 having a win on Friday. But they could be eligible on Monday if they beat Kosovo and Bulgaria neglect to win against Montenegro.
Southgate had success with England in the Russia World Cup in 2018 – carrying them using a three and also admits he could revert to that system.
I believe we are in a difficult situation concerning the players that have played international soccer with us at that area of the pitch and who are playing frequently together using their clubs, Southgate said.
So, thats part of the reason why we didnt do this [against the Czech Republic].
It is definitely something we have considered and I do not think we could dismiss.
Im not sure, before Monday, if thats the perfect thing to do but we are very aware and analyzing those things
Asked if theres sufficient time to employ a defensive change in system before Euro 2020, Southgate stated:I think so, I believe players participate in tactical concepts very fast, particularly players.
So, we have to keep reflecting on whats working, what is potential and learn from each experience we have.
Well find out a lot from [the Czech game]. We have had simple qualifying games which havent contested us.
[That ] was a proper evaluation and we did not encounter, so it would be naive to take the lessons in what weve seen on the pitch
Read more here: http://softballedge.com/?p=32871
