The England national team will take on Germany tonight in what should be an interesting watch building up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup later in the year with both teams looking to have strong campaigns in Qatar.
The England national team takes on Germany tonight in what should be an interesting watch building up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup later in the year with both sides looking to have strong campaigns in Qatar.
Both sides have shown great potential in recent months, perhaps England more than Germany, but the Germans come into this one with a well-rested squad compared to the Three Lions. England got their Nations League campaign off to a bad start with a loss against Hungary, while Germany will be happy with a draw away to Italy over the weekend. Mcebo Mpungose previews this League A Group 3 clash.
To Win Match
Germany 11/10 | Draw 19/10 | England 47/20
Germany
The Germans will be looking for revenge in this game having been sorely knocked out at the round of 16 by England in EURO 2020 last year. They opened their Nations League with a 1-1 draw away to Italy thanks to a Joshua Kimmich equaliser, in a game where they had the lion’s share in terms of possession and created better chances.
Hansi Flick will use the Nations League as an exercise to pick his best troops for Qatar with questions swirling about the best midfield and attacking combinations.
Joshua Kimmich and İlkay Gundogan seem like the most likely pairing in midfield in a 4-2-3-1 system, while there are still questions on whether he will opt for Kai Havertz or Timo Werner to lead his attack.
Behind the main striker, Flick is spoiled for choice with players like Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, and Thomas Müller who now operates in a deeper role behind the striker.
At the back Germany should be able to deal with England’s aerial challenge with Rudiger and Sule at the heart of their defense although there will be a worry about the flanks with Flick opting to play a high line, it will be interesting to see how they deal with England’s pacey wingers.
It should be mentioned that in recent years Germany has kind of lost its ‘magic’ and needs a big performance to remind the world of their hugely talented nation. The game against England at home presents a chance for them to make a statement.
Letzte Einheit vor #GERENG ⚽#DieMannschaft | 📸 DFB/Philipp Reinhard pic.twitter.com/sBF6FXl875
— Die Mannschaft (@DFB_Team) June 6, 2022
England
There is no doubt that the current England squad is probably the best we’ve seen in our in a long time, the question that remains though is does it have enough to win any trophy worth bragging about?
As mentioned above, the Three Lions got off to a bad start in the Nations League, with a shock loss against Hungary! England’s performance was lethargic, to say the least, and it showed some of their key players haven’t had a chance to rest with Manchester City and Liverpool going the deep in the Champions League while their tussle for the Premier League was still on.
Gareth Southgate has largely favored a back three, and his team has played its best football using the 3-5-2 formation. It hasn’t won them anything though and having used it for as long as he has, it could be time to consider reverting to a back four in favor of more space in midfield for creative players like Jude Bellingham.
England played better when they reverted to a back four against Hungary over the weekend. It’s also worth noting that the biggest two sides in the English game right now, Man City and Liverpool, don’t play with a back three.
A back four would also ensure Trent Alexander-Arnold plays his preferred full back position as opposed to right-wing-back
The issues aren’t just in the back for England though with questions over where Bellingham should be deployed and whether to start with Kevin Philips or Declan Rice (or both).
I would prefer a three-man midfield with one of them as an anchor and two midfielders that can carry the ball into dangerous areas; Bellingham and Ward-Prowse (whose freekick taking ability is an added value)
Up front, Harry Kane leads the line, but as we’ve seen at Tottenham, whoever is flanking him makes him more dangerous. Southgate has a host of options for those positions with Sterling, Mason Mount, and Jarred Bowen.
Over those options there’s also Bakayo Saka, who I feel should be given a chance to start, and Tammy Abraham who did well in his first season with Roma.
Verdict: Draw and BTTS 31/10
I can’t separate these two teams. Because of the sheer talent that will be on display, I’m backing a draw and both teams to score.
"A brilliant test of what we're about." 🦁
— England (@England) June 7, 2022
Gareth Southgate looks forward to tonight's #NationsLeague match... pic.twitter.com/FcPpDxrWuU
