Positional flexibility and brilliant Bellingham: How England swept aside Ivory Coast – tactical analysis

The distinctiveness of the March international friendlies is that, more often than not, they represent the final uncompetitive fixtures for managers to experiment with new formations and tactics ahead of a proceeding international tournament. England’s routine victory over a disappointing Ivory Coast side on Tuesday evening was no exception to this testament, with the likes of Jude Bellingham and James Ward-Prowse playing significant and tactically unconventional roles that present manager Gareth Southgate a selection dilemma for this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.

A frustrating red card (arguably for both managers) for Ivory Coast captain Serge Aurier effectively killed the competitiveness of this fixture after forty minutes, but Southgate will be pleased with his side’s attacking display and positional fluidity before the dismissal.

This tactical analysis will thus examine England’s approach and open up debate into the personnel and formational options Southgate has at his disposal.

Line-ups

England on paper lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham playing ahead of a double-pivot consisting of Declan Rice and James Ward-Prowse. Ben White assumed an unfamiliar right-back role but was nonetheless encouraged to get forward into attacking areas, whilst Ollie Watkins led the line for Southgate’s men.

The Ivory Coast, fresh from a promising performance against World Champions France on Friday, lined up in a rigid 4-2-3-1 formation, with Premier League duo Nicolas Pépé and Maxwell Cornet flanking the in-form Sebastien Haller upfront. Franck Kessié and Jean Seri provided a protective double pivot behind Max-Alain Gradel, whilst Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha missed out altogether through injury. The visitors pressed high and restricted the volume of ground passes in England’s build-up play as the opening quarter of the game struggled for pace and rhythm.