The line ups are in for this Round of 32 clash and Gareth Southgate has thrown a tactical curveball into the mix. Djed Spence, the former Genoa right...
The line ups are in for this Round of 32 clash and Gareth Southgate has thrown a tactical curveball into the mix. Djed Spence, the former Genoa right back who has been knocking on the door for months, finally gets his first start of the tournament. That is a serious statement of intent. Southgate is clearly looking for width and direct running from deep, a trait that Spence offers in spades compared to the more conservative full back options. This is not a conservative selection.You look at the spine of this England side and it remains formidable. Bellingham in the middle, Rice sitting in front of the back four, and Kane leading the line. That trio alone should be enough to trouble any defence. But the question that hangs over this fixture is whether England can break down a Congo DR side that will likely sit deep and look to frustrate. The African side have nothing to lose and everything to gain. They will be dangerous on the break, you can be sure of that.For England, the key is patience. You cannot force the issue from the first whistle. You have to move the ball, shift the Congo defence from side to side, and wait for the gaps to appear. Spence's inclusion suggests Southgate wants an extra attacking outlet on the overlap, but that also leaves space in behind. Squeaky bum time for the full backs if Congo get a quick turnover. It is a game of fine margins now.Expect a slow start. Expect England to dominate possession. Expect a moment of individual brilliance to break the deadlock. That is the narrative here. If England get an early goal, they could run riot. If they don't, the tension will build. The crowd will get restless. And that is when a World Cup knockout tie gets very interesting indeed.
