FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019: England vs USA – tactical analysis

Following a comfortable victory over Norway in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Womens World Cup 2019, England went into the last four confident of beating tournament favourites USA. The Lionesses also reached this stage back in 2015, with the United States ultimately crowned champions.

Despite mounting a stronger challenge in the second half of this encounter, Phil Nevilles side are heading home after a narrow defeat. This tactical analysis will attempt to explain their shortcomings, as well as shining a light on the strengths of Jill Ellis team.

Line-ups

England varied between a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-4-2 formation, with Nikita Parris playing a fluid role behind Ellen White up front. Rachel Daly and Beth Mead provided the width, while Jill Scott joined up with Keira Walsh to provide more support at the base of midfield. Demi Stokes retained her place at left-back, with Neville preferring the Manchester City player over Alex Greenwood.

Ellis elected to go with a 4-3-3 but retreated to a 5-4-1 during the closing stages. With Megan Rapinoe rumoured to be nursing a hamstring injury, Christen Press was selected on the left-wing. Her defensive output would prove crucial in restricting Lucy Bronze. Dynamic midfielder Rose Lavelle was expected to join the attack at every opportunity, while Becky Sauerbrunn and Abby Dahlkemper paired up in central defence.

USA congest Englands right flank 

Throughout this tournament, Englands main strength has been the elite duo of Lucy Bronze and Nikita Parris. Their combinations down the right have been crucial to the Lionesses success in recent times, making it something of a surprise to see Parris selected in a more central position last night.

In any case, the USA were determined to congest the right wing, limiting the potential for Daly and Bronze to progress. In the image below, the latter is attempting to drive forward with the ball but is tracked closely by Press and ultimately forced over the sideline.