FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 Tactical Analysis: England vs Scotland

In the opening fixture of group D, Phil Nevilles England met Shelley Kerrs Scotland. Despite a dominant display, the Lionesses secured the narrowest of victories over their neighbours thanks to goals from Nikita Parris and Ellen White. The win sees them claim top spot early on with games against Argentina and Japan still to come.

This tactical analysis will examine how England strolled to a 2-0 lead before the break, before withstanding the Scots second-half fightback.

Line-Ups

Neville set his team up in a 4-3-3/4-1-4-1 with captain Steph Houghton partnered by Chelseas Millie Bright at the heart of the defence. Ellen White was favoured as the lone striker, with Jodie Taylor having to settle for a place on the bench.

Star player Fran Kirby was joined by Jill Scott in the offensive midfield positions, with Parris and Beth Mead starting out wide. Fullbacks Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood were expected to support the attack at every opportunity.

Kerr elected to line her side up in a 4-2-3-1, which became a 4-4-1-1 out of possession. Erin Cuthbert lead the line, supported by Arsenals Kim Little. The flanks were occupied by Claire Emslie and Lisa Evans. Manchester Citys Caroline Weir joined Liverpools Christie Murray at the base of midfield.

England the protagonists

For much of this encounter, England were the dominant side and looked to establish attacks through patient build-up. The Lionesses progressed the play out from goalkeeper Karen Bardsley, with the central defenders and the holding midfielder looking to feed balls between the lines.

On many occasions, Nevilles team managed to play through the thirds and pin Scotland back deep in their half. The positional set-up in these moments generally saw one of the fullbacks provide the width on one side as the winger moved infield to form a box with the striker and the two attacking midfielders.

Meanwhile, the width on the other side would