Greece Hold England: Player Ratings, Foden Underwhelms
England's Euro 2024 qualifying campaign took a stumble as Greece held the Three Lions to a frustrating 0-0 draw at the Karaiskakis Stadium. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, England failed to find the back of the net, leaving Gareth Southgate's side with a sense of unease ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
The Starters
Goalkeeper:
- Jordan Pickford (7/10): A dependable presence as usual, Pickford made a couple of crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. His distribution was also sharp, launching attacks with pinpoint passes.
Defenders:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10): A consistent performer, Alexander-Arnold provided attacking width and delivered dangerous crosses into the box. However, he was occasionally caught out of position defensively.
- John Stones (6/10): Solid at the back, Stones was a calming influence in the heart of the defense. He made several interceptions and dealt effectively with the Greek threat.
- Harry Maguire (6/10): Back in the starting lineup, Maguire showed his physical presence and aerial prowess, but lacked the fluidity of his defensive partners.
- Luke Shaw (5/10): A relatively quiet performance from Shaw. He struggled to provide the same attacking impetus he often offers and was caught out defensively on a couple of occasions.
Midfielders:
- Declan Rice (7/10): Dominant in midfield, Rice controlled the tempo of the game and broke up attacks with ease. He was a driving force for England throughout the match.
- Jude Bellingham (7/10): An energetic and dynamic performance from Bellingham. He made important tackles, drove forward with purpose, and was unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions.
- Bukayo Saka (6/10): Always a threat on the right flank, Saka provided dangerous crosses and dribbled past defenders with ease. However, he couldn't find the final pass to unlock the Greek defense.
Attackers:
- Phil Foden (5/10): A disappointing performance from Foden. Despite playing in his preferred position, he struggled to impact the game, lacking the creativity and final ball that he's known for.
- Harry Kane (6/10): Always a threat in the box, Kane held the ball up well and brought his teammates into the game. However, he couldn't convert any of the chances he got.
Substitutes:
- Jack Grealish (6/10): Introduced late in the game, Grealish added some much-needed flair to the attack. He created a few chances but couldn't break through the Greek defense.
- Callum Wilson (N/A): Came on too late to make a significant impact.
The Tactical Battle:
Southgate opted for a familiar 4-3-3 formation, aiming to dominate possession and create chances through quick passing and movement. However, Greece countered effectively with a disciplined 4-4-2, focusing on compact defending and hitting England on the break.
The Key Moment:
The pivotal moment came in the second half when Bellingham's header hit the crossbar. Had it gone in, the tide of the game could have shifted dramatically. This missed opportunity highlighted England's inability to break down a stubborn Greek defense.
The Talking Point:
Foden's underwhelming performance raises concerns. After a stellar season with Manchester City, he has failed to replicate that form for England. His lack of creativity and decisiveness in the final third was evident throughout the match.
The Verdict:
A disappointing draw for England, who failed to capitalize on their dominance. While the defense remained resolute, the lack of a clinical edge in attack proved costly. The performance will raise questions about England's attacking potency and ability to break down stubborn defenses.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why did England struggle to score against Greece?
A: Greece's compact defense and disciplined approach made it difficult for England to break through. Their reliance on quick passing and intricate play couldn't penetrate the Greek defensive lines.
Q: Was Foden's performance a major concern?
A: Foden's lack of impact raises concerns about his form at the international level. While he is a talented player, his inability to create chances or influence the game is a cause for worry.
Q: What are the implications of this draw for England's Euro 2024 qualification campaign?
A: While it is still early in the qualifying campaign, this draw adds pressure to England's remaining fixtures. They will need to be more clinical and adaptable to overcome similar challenges in the future.
Q: How did Greece manage to hold England to a draw?
A: Greece's defensive resilience and disciplined approach were key to their success. They countered effectively, forcing England to chase the game and limiting their opportunities.
Q: What can Southgate do to improve England's attacking performance?
A: Southgate will need to find a balance between maintaining defensive solidity and unlocking the attacking potential of his players. Experimenting with different formations and personnel might be crucial.
Conclusion:
The draw against Greece serves as a reminder that England still has room for improvement, particularly in the attacking department. While the team's defensive foundation remains solid, they need to find a way to break down stubborn defenses and convert their chances. This draw will undoubtedly fuel the debate about Southgate's tactics and player selection, as England prepare for the next chapter of their Euro 2024 journey.
