FIFA World Cup 2022: England’s dominance over Wales in the last group game – tactical analysis #4

In the final game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Group B, England faced Wales. Although Gareth Southgate’s side were already in a superior position to qualify for the knockout stages after drawing with the USA and beating Iran, they still played at a good level in this game to maintain positive feelings in the squad. This tactical analysis will show England’s tactics with and without the ball, and how they dominated the game for victory.

Lineups

Wales started with a 4-2-3-1 on paper with Leicester City goalkeeper Danny Ward in goal. In the last line, they had two Tottenham Hotspur players – Ben Davies and Joe Rodon, who partnered with Neco Williams and Chris Mepham. In front of them, there were two defensive midfielders, Ethan Ampadu and Joe Allen. The attacking players were Daniel James, Aaron Ramsey, Gareth Bale, and Kieffer Moore.

England made some changes compared to the lineup they used against the USA. Kyle Walker replaced Kieran Trippier in the right-back position, but the rest of the defence was the same with John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw. In midfield, Jordan Henderson came in at the expense of Mason Mount, but Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice kept their place. Harry Kane was the starting striker but the wingers were Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden in this game.