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England Versus Uruguay Team Formation



England versus Uruguay Formation 

Its been nearly a week now since England fell to Italy in their first group match of the 2014 World Cup. We explained in our last edition Should England Drop Wayne Rooney?   the real reasons England failed and today we show what the England Versus Uruguay Formation should look like.

It's a must win game for both teams so expect either a cagey affair with so much at stake or both teams slugging it out toe to toe. We've taken both situations into account and built a team to get the performance from the personnel available. Oh and yes, Rooney does start!


England v Uruguay - 19th June 2014 - Football tactics and formations
England Versus Uruguay Formation

As we showed last time, England's downfall was a ridiculous selection of four forwards who all gravitated to the centre of the pitch. This was a classic case of picking players and then worrying about a system. None of them had the discipline to do the job they were picked for and they ended up stifling each other.

So, what's the thinking behind the changes?

Well, firstly, we see no reason for two holding midfielders. Unless we are so worried about Gerrard that he needs extra protection himself. If that's the case, then don't play him. However, we feel he is more than able to protect the back four and intelligently dictate the play ahead of him. 

The midfield and attack need a link though. We've replaced Henderson with Wilshire to introduce this player. Wilshire is far more creative and can coax the best out of the attacking options.

At right back, we've replaced Johnson with Jones. A bit harsh this one but we feel Jones gives more solidity and dynamism on the overlap. In front of Jones we bring in Milner for Welbeck. England do not need more attacking options if Wilshire is creating better openings, but discipline is required in ensuring we have the option of width. Neither Welbeck, Rooney, Sterling or Sturridge offered this against Italy. 

Milner also provides defensive cover when required and can be switched with Sterling on either flank.

The final, much debated change is just swapping Rooney and Sterling. Wayne is by far a better number ten than Raheem and Raheem is a better winger than Wayne. It's a no brainier. Rooney scores goals for club and country when played down the middle. Let him go for it. Sterling will trouble any fullback with his pace and trickery and can drift inside whenever he wants.

So, we've added discipline, creativity, defensive stability and potency without taking anything away from the positives we all saw on Saturday.

The only other thing we need is Suarez's knee to fall to pieces!

What, would you change?

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