Defense plus Sterling-Kane, England believes in it

After the hangover of enthusiasm and celebration, following the success against Germany, the Three Lions are already projected in Rome, where on Saturday they face Ukraine for a place in the semi-final of Euro 2020. The goal of Gareth Southgate's national team is to return to Wembley, for the epilogue of this European, so far full of emotions and satisfactions. Starting with the victory over the German national team, expected for 55 years, and destined to instill a new awareness in Sterling and his teammates. Also because so far, after four games, England are the only national team left in the running that has not yet conceded a passive goal. Four goals in as many matches were enough to enter the best eight in Europe, but it is above all the defensive solidity that legitimizes the English ambitions.Precisely the department that on the eve of the European Championship aroused the most doubts and concerns, mainly aimed at the role of goalkeeper. Many asked for Jordan Pickford to be set aside, returning from a fluctuating season at Everton's posts. These suggestions went unheeded by Southgate which has paid off in the last two weeks. Even the initial absence (due to injury) of Harry Maguire, captain of Manchester United and column of the English rearguard, was disposed of without repercussions: in his absence, Tyrone Mings, central of Aston Villa, took over with the authority of a veteran. . But it was the change of form, introduced against Germany, to confirm the new tactical flexibility of the British, who successfully returned to the three-man defense, as already happened during the World Cup in Russia.And thus renouncing the safety of a module (the four-man defensive line, in fact) which had guaranteed 75% of victories in the previous 32 outings. Against Ukraine at the Olimpico it cannot be ruled out that Southgate re-proposes a four-man defensive line, perhaps sacrificing Kieran Trippier, while behind Harry Kane it seems certain of confirmation Bukayo Saka, among the best against Germany. Speaking of the Tottenham striker, finally scoring, Southgate hopes that he will be able to follow the parable of another English striker, Alan Shearer who in the home European championship in 1996, after a fast of 12 games, had finally unlocked himself against the Switzerland to then close as the tournament's top scorer with six goals. "The forwards live for the goal, and for Harry it's the same. He is our most important player,what can make us make another qualitative leap ", Southgate urged him. For the moment, however, the English coach is enjoying above all his talisman Raheem Sterling, three goals at Euro 2020, 15 in his last 20 performances with the white jersey. "He's a fighter - Southgate's words -. He has incredible resilience and a hunger like few others. Especially in the last two years he has developed this sense for scoring. He is always in the right place at the right time. "Symbol of this England despite the fact that he remains a divisive figure among English fans: there are those who adore him and those who cannot stand him. It is difficult to find someone to whom you remain indifferent." Better this way, Raheem is motivated by this as well, "Southgate explained.however, the English coach enjoys above all his talisman Raheem Sterling, three goals at Euro 2020, 15 in his last 20 performances with the white jersey. "He is a fighter - the words of Southgate -. He has an incredible resilience and a hunger like few others. Especially in the last two years he has developed this sense for scoring. He always finds himself in the right place at the right time". Symbol of this England despite remaining a divisive figure among English fans: there are those who adore it and those who cannot stand it. Difficult to find someone to whom you remain indifferent. "Better this way, Raheem is motivated by this too," Southgate explained.however, the English coach enjoys above all his talisman Raheem Sterling, three goals at Euro 2020, 15 in his last 20 performances with the white jersey. "He is a fighter - the words of Southgate -. He has an incredible resilience and a hunger like few others. Especially in the last two years he has developed this sense for scoring. He always finds himself in the right place at the right time". Symbol of this England despite remaining a divisive figure among English fans: there are those who adore it and those who cannot stand it. Difficult to find someone to whom you remain indifferent. "Better this way, Raheem is motivated by this too," Southgate explained.a fighter - in Southgate's words -. He has incredible resilience and a hunger like few others. Especially in the last two years he has developed this sense for scoring. He is always in the right place at the right time. "Symbol of this England despite the fact that he remains a divisive figure among English fans: there are those who adore him and those who cannot stand him. It is difficult to find someone to whom you remain indifferent." Better this way, Raheem is motivated by this as well, "Southgate explained.a fighter - in Southgate's words -. He has incredible resilience and a hunger like few others. Especially in the last two years he has developed this sense for scoring. He is always in the right place at the right time. "Symbol of this England despite the fact that he remains a divisive figure among English fans: there are those who adore him and those who cannot stand him. It is difficult to find someone to whom you remain indifferent." Better this way, Raheem is motivated by this as well, "Southgate explained.Difficult to find someone to whom you remain indifferent. "Better this way, Raheem is motivated by this too," Southgate explained.Difficult to find someone to whom you remain indifferent. "Better this way, Raheem is motivated by this too," Southgate explained.