England’s Ball Possession Dominance at Euro 2020: Reasons and Implications

England’s ball possession stats have been the talk of the town in Euro 2020. England has led the ball possession charts in the group stages with an average of 58.3%. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind England’s possession game and its implications for their chances of winning the tournament.

The Gareth Southgate Philosophy

Gareth Southgate, the England football team manager, has always emphasized the importance of having control and ownership of the ball. Southgate’s gameplan revolves around keeping the ball for prolonged periods and using that possession to create chances. Southgate’s philosophy has become a hallmark of English football during his tenure and has been particularly effective in Euro 2020 so far.

The Role of Midfield Maestros

An essential aspect of England’s high possession stats has been the contributions of their midfield. The midfield trio of Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips, and Mason Mount has been instrumental in keeping the ball and controlling the pace of the game. The three players have an average pass accuracy of 89% and have been relentless in their effort to maintain a stranglehold on the game.

Defensive Security and Control

England’s dominance of the ball has also had a positive impact on their defensive record. By keeping the ball for extended periods, England has been able to control the game's tempo and limit the opposition’s attacking opportunities. The English defence has been rock solid and has conceded only one goal in the group stages, and has not been seriously tested by their opposition.

Implications for England’s Chances of Winning Euro 2020

England’s ball possession dominance has crucial implications for their chances of winning the tournament. Firstly, Southgate’s tactics have allowed England to control the game and limit the opposition’s chances, making them challenging to break down. Secondly, keeping the ball has given England ample opportunities to create chances and score goals. Thirdly, England’s high possession stats have put immense pressure on the opposition, which can lead to fatigue and errors later in the game.

In conclusion, England’s ball possession stats in the Euro 2020 have been a reflection of Gareth Southgate’s philosophy and his team’s commitment to implementing that style of play. Their high possession stats have been a driving force behind their success in the tournament so far, and their chances of winning the trophy look promising. It will be intriguing to see if they can maintain this level of possession play in the knockout stages of the tournament and prevail against some of the world’s best teams in the coming weeks.