Introduction:
After England’s disappointing draw with Denmark, manager Gareth Southgate suggested that his players are not fit enough to press the opposition properly. This claim has sparked intense debate and analysis. In this article, we will examine whether England’s players are too tired to press effectively and if they played too much club football last season. We will analyze charts and tables to provide insights into the situation and explore the pressing stats of the England team.
Are England Too Tired to Press Properly?
Gareth Southgate’s comment about his players’ fitness levels raises the question of whether England is too tired to press properly. To address this, we can look at the total minutes played by England’s squad in club competitions during the 2023-24 season. According to Opta data, England played a total of 82,143 minutes, making them the third-highest in terms of minutes played among the five European sides with the most players featuring in top leagues.
Comparing Starting XI Club Minutes Played:
To further investigate the issue, let’s examine the average club playing time of England’s starting line-up against Serbia and Denmark. The chart shows that their average playing time last season was almost exactly the same as a full 38-game Premier League season, which is equivalent to 3,420 minutes. Moreover, 15 out of the 26-man England squad played more than that figure, indicating that many players had deep runs into domestic cups and European competitions before the Euros.
Top Players with Club Minutes Played:
In a list of the 40 players with the most club minutes played across Europe’s top five leagues, six English players feature prominently. This includes Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins, Declan Rice, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, and Conor Gallagher. These players’ significant involvement in club football suggests that they may have accumulated fatigue over the season, potentially impacting their ability to press effectively.
Examining England’s Pressing Stats:
To assess England’s pressing performance, we can look at a relatively new measurement called ‘PPDA’ (opposition passes allowed per defensive action). A lower PPDA score indicates a team’s effectiveness in pressing. Opta data reveals that England has a PPDA score of 23.1, placing them in the bottom half of the teams in Euro 2024. This suggests that England is not one of the best teams when it comes to pressing.
Insights from Experts:
England captain Harry Kane admitted after the game that the team was unsure about how to apply pressure and who should be pressing. Pundits Cesc Fabregas and Alan Shearer offered their analysis, with Fabregas suggesting that Kane may lack the physical ability to press high. Shearer highlighted a lack of energy and confusion among players regarding when and how to press, attributing this to the manager’s lack of a clear plan.
Conclusion:
While there is evidence to suggest that England’s players may have accumulated fatigue from a demanding club season, it is important to consider other factors contributing to their ineffective pressing. The team’s average club playing time aligns with a full Premier League season, but individual player fatigue and a lack of a clear plan from the manager may also play a role. Further analysis and adjustments may be necessary for England to improve their pressing game in future matches.