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It's not "coming home" for England this summer, losing a gutting World Cup semifinal against Lionel Messi's Argentina, extending the Three Lions' trophy drought to 60 years.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has faced criticism for his game management in the loss as England opted for a more defensive strategy after taking the lead in the second half. Tuchel brought on defender Ezri Konsa to replace goal-scorer Anthony Gordon and then, still clinging to the lead in the final 10 minutes, took off Declan Rice and Reece James (both of whom had fitness concerns) in favor of Dan Burn and Nico O'Reilly.
Ultimately, England lost 2-1 in regulation and managed less than 20% possession after Gordon's goal put the team in front.
Now, the team is stuck in the third-place match against France, a contest that absolutely nobody wants to participate in. Who is Tuchel going to play?
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo hasn't played a minute at this World Cup and will probably get a starting nod, while strikers Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins could be set for bigger roles in the consolation game.
Here's how England could line up against France:
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: England predicted lineup vs France today: Projected World Cup starting XI
Continue reading...
Manager Thomas Tuchel has faced criticism for his game management in the loss as England opted for a more defensive strategy after taking the lead in the second half. Tuchel brought on defender Ezri Konsa to replace goal-scorer Anthony Gordon and then, still clinging to the lead in the final 10 minutes, took off Declan Rice and Reece James (both of whom had fitness concerns) in favor of Dan Burn and Nico O'Reilly.
Ultimately, England lost 2-1 in regulation and managed less than 20% possession after Gordon's goal put the team in front.
Now, the team is stuck in the third-place match against France, a contest that absolutely nobody wants to participate in. Who is Tuchel going to play?
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo hasn't played a minute at this World Cup and will probably get a starting nod, while strikers Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins could be set for bigger roles in the consolation game.
Here's how England could line up against France:
England lineup prediction vs France
- GK: Dean Henderson
- DF: Jarell Quansah
- DF: Dan Burn
- DF: Trevoh Chalobah
- DF: Djed Spence
- MF: Kobbie Mainoo
- MF: Nico O'Reilly
- MF: Eberechi Eze
- FW: Marcus Rashford
- FW: Ollie Watkins
- FW: Ivan Toney
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: England predicted lineup vs France today: Projected World Cup starting XI
Continue reading...
