The Athletic FC Podcast Summary: "Does it matter how England play if they win?"

Release Date: July 1, 2024

Introduction

In the episode titled "Does it matter how England play if they win?", The Athletic FC Podcast delves deep into England's recent performance in the UEFA European Championship (Euros). Hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring expert analysis from writers Jack Pickbrook and Jacob Whitehead, the discussion centers around England's tactical approach, player performances, and future prospects as they advance to the quarterfinals.

Post-Match Reactions and Immediate Impressions

Ayo Akinwolere opens the discussion by highlighting England's narrow escape to the quarterfinals, attributing their progress to a moment of brilliance from Jude Bellingham.

"England have squeezed through to the quarterfinals thanks in part to a moment of genius from who else?"
[02:30]

Jack Pickbrook provides his initial thoughts on the post-match atmosphere, expressing surprise at Gareth Southgate's composed demeanor despite the team's precarious position.

"He was sat in the press conference, smiling away... England were completely, completely saved from certain doom by that Bellingham goal."
[03:37]

Analysis of England's Performance

Jacob Whitehead critiques England's overall performance, noting significant lapses and reliance on last-minute heroics rather than consistent play.

"They played incredibly poorly... relying on a sheer moment rather than any sort of system to get them out of trouble."
[05:08]

Jack Pickbrook echoes these sentiments, detailing England's defensive vulnerabilities and lack of coordination on the field.

"England were worse in every department... They looked so panicked... in the first half, they really look like they didn't want to be there."
[07:16]

Jude Bellingham: The Beacon Amidst Struggles

The conversation shifts to Jude Bellingham's pivotal role in England's survival.

Ayo Akinwolere praises Bellingham's decisive goal and his confident demeanor on the field.

"This is a player that can back himself."
[11:24]

Jacob Whitehead discusses Bellingham's inconsistency throughout the tournament but acknowledges his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

"When you do play hero ball, eventually you are going to be the hero."
[11:24]

Jack Pickbrook highlights Bellingham's "main character energy" and his influence from playing at Real Madrid, emphasizing the clutch mentality he brings to the national team.

"England have probably been a bit lacking in the last five or six years... now they've got a player who thinks and acts a little bit differently."
[14:43]

Tactical Assessment and Team Dynamics

Ayo Akinwolere questions England's tactical approach, especially given their underwhelming performances in the group stages.

"Does it look like England are playing with any real sort of tactics coming into this tournament?"
[21:09]

Jack Pickbrook sarcastically critiques England's tactics, pointing out inefficiencies and missed opportunities.

"They got some great tactics... They have the tactic where they pass it to each other very slowly... They have the tactic where they wait for a long time and then eventually pass the ball to Bukayo Saka at a point where he's got like three opponents."
[21:31]

Jacob Whitehead adds that Southgate's inability to adjust tactics during the game exacerbated England's problems, leading to desperate moves rather than strategic plays.

"This was a total move of desperation from him in the end."
[22:33]

Future Prospects and Upcoming Quarterfinals

As England prepares to face Switzerland in the quarterfinals, both analysts express concern over potential tactical mismatches and player availability.

Jack Pickbrook warns about Switzerland's organized and aggressive playstyle, predicting England's vulnerabilities will be exploited.

"Switzerland are really good... they are a well-organized unit... England look increasingly vulnerable on the break."
[31:16]

Jacob Whitehead discusses the challenges England faces in terms of squad depth and tactical flexibility, especially with key players like Harry Maguire being unavailable.

"They probably had enough options to not have to rely on Jude Bellingham's last-minute goal."
[25:55]

Player Fitness and Squad Selection

The issue of player fitness, particularly concerning Luke Shaw's absence, is scrutinized.

Ayo Akinwolere questions the decision to bench Luke Shaw, highlighting the systemic issues in England's squad depth.

"Has it been a massive oversight, Jack, in bringing a player with this lack of fitness to this tournament?"
[28:46]

Jack Pickbrook defends Southgate's choices but criticizes the limited options available, pointing out the reliance on players who haven't been performing consistently.

"It's not like there's no options... They had Y.S. Conor filling in, which really says quite a lot about how unready Shaw must be."
[29:39]

Jacob Whitehead underscores the improbability of Shaw being match-ready for the intense quarterfinal clash, given his current fitness status.

"If he didn't even an emergency option, this certainly qualified as an emergency."
[30:29]

Concluding Insights

Jack Pickbrook and Jacob Whitehead conclude that England's advancement to the quarterfinals is less a testament to their tactical prowess and more a result of individual brilliance and fortunate circumstances. They emphasize the need for tactical restructuring and player performance improvements if England hopes to advance further in the tournament.

"There’s a long list of tactical problems and these tactical problems make it look as if the chemistry is really off."
[34:04]

"They are going to have to solve those tactical problems over the course of the week because those tactical problems are going to be exploited far more effectively by Switzerland."
[34:04]

Ayo Akinwolere wraps up the episode by acknowledging the critical juncture England faces as they prepare to face a formidable Swiss side in the next round.

Key Takeaways

• England's Progress: England advanced to the quarterfinals primarily due to Jude Bellingham's last-minute goal, despite overall poor team performance.

• Jude Bellingham's Impact: Bellingham emerged as a pivotal player, showcasing both moments of brilliance and inconsistency, reflective of England's reliance on individual talent over cohesive team play.

• Tactical Deficiencies: The team's tactical shortcomings, including poor defensive organization and ineffective midfield strategies, have left England vulnerable against well-organized opponents.

• Squad Depth Issues: England's limited options, especially at left-back, and the absence of key players like Harry Maguire, exacerbate concerns about their ability to compete against stronger teams.

• Future Challenges: Facing Switzerland, a tactically superior and well-organized team, England must address their tactical flaws and improve player performances to advance further in the tournament.

Notable Quotes:

• “Post match, Jude Bellingham was happy to silence critics.”
  [02:40] – Ayo Akinwolere

• “He was sat in the press conference, smiling away... England were completely, completely saved from certain doom by that Bellingham goal.”
  [03:37] – Jack Pickbrook

• “They played incredibly poorly... relying on a sheer moment rather than any sort of system to get them out of trouble.”
  [05:08] – Jacob Whitehead

• “England look increasingly vulnerable on the break.”
  [31:16] – Jack Pickbrook

• “Hero ball is exactly right.”
  [12:29] – Jack Pickbrook

This comprehensive analysis provides listeners with an in-depth understanding of England's current standing in the Euros, the pivotal role of Jude Bellingham, and the tactical and squad-related challenges ahead as they prepare for the quarterfinal clash against Switzerland.