Going into Euro 2024, Luke Shaw’s damage points made left-back an space of concern for England supporters. Phil Foden’s struggles additional up that flank have added to Gareth Southgate’s issues on that aspect of the pitch.
In Slovenia, England will come up in opposition to a aspect whose energy is down that wing.
The Three Lions’ remaining Group C recreation was billed pre-tournament as their most easy of this part. However after worrying performances in opposition to Serbia and Denmark, Slovenia can’t be underestimated – and the indicators are they might harm England the place they’re weaker.
Makeshift left-back Kieran Trippier seems more likely to play in that place once more, with Shaw lacking coaching periods in current days, and the Newcastle man, together with whoever Southgate selects on the left wing – whether or not that’s Foden or another – may have their work reduce out.
They are going to want the assist of Declan Rice and a fellow midfielder to return throughout on the quilt, inserting extra emphasis on England’s midfield steadiness which has been out of kilter up to now.
Slovenia’s right-side energy was underlined of their 1-1 draw with Serbia on Thursday. Zan Karnicnik bought ahead from right-back to slam within the opener. However for a Ninety fifth-minute equaliser, it will have taken Slovenia to a first-ever win at a Euros.
Karnicnik had three pictures in that recreation. He is an adventurous full-back, as his membership boss Damir Krznar advised Sky Sports activities earlier than the match. “He is a superb participant within the offensive part,” stated Krznar, who steered Celje to the Slovenian title this previous season.
If Karnicnik is much less assured going the opposite method, he has the assist of Petar Stojanovic forward of him. They complement one another effectively.
“Defensively Karnicnik can have some issues,” says Krznar. “However he is a really intelligent man and might stop one-on-one conditions.
“He’s good in making choices when he assaults and when he runs again, he waits for assist, so he is an excellent participant. And what is superb for him, in entrance of him, as a winger, he has Stojanovic, who can also be initially a full-back and that’s the place he performs in Italy for Sampdoria.
“So that they’re an excellent workforce on this aspect with Karnicnik and Stojanovic. They have been each excellent throughout the qualifying marketing campaign.”
You possibly can see how carefully the pair work collectively from this passing community graphic. Notice the main target of Slovenia’s mess around Karnicnik (RB) and Stojanovic (RW).
Slovenia focus their assaults down that proper aspect, with 41 per cent of their ahead play coming by means of that channel.
Slovenia goal a better share of their assaults down the best flank
It is also the aspect of the pitch England face essentially the most assaults – 42 per cent of the attacking play from Serbia and Denmark got here down that aspect.
England have confronted a better share of assaults down their left aspect than on the best or by means of the center
Counter-attack concern
Thus far Trippier and co have largely been in a position to cope with the hazard. But when there isn’t any ingredient of shock when it comes to how Slovenia will assault maybe the numerous issue would be the tempo with which they do it.
“Slovenia are excellent in defensive form,” says Krznar, additionally highlighting the standard of goalkeeper Jan Oblak behind the defence. “Offensively they’re quick and from this defensive block they are often very harmful.”
The specter of a counter-attack might be in Southgate’s thoughts. England’s misfiring press has been within the highlight because the draw with Denmark – but when their counter-press fails in opposition to Slovenia once they lose the ball excessive up the pitch they may very well be in bother.
Karnicnik made 4 interceptions in opposition to Serbia. Stojanovic eight dribbles. Slovenia, like a loaded spring, might be able to launch.
And in Benjamin Sesko they’ve a wonderful finisher to transform any openings they create.
England could also be just about into the knockouts but when they wish to go into the last-16 with momentum and rebuild confidence, stemming Slovenia’s assaults down that aspect of the pitch might be key.