England boss Gareth Southgate has stated that they have centre-forward that can win the ball when they play long ball after heated discussion between Pickford and Stone.
England head coach Gareth Southgate has stated that they build up their game in a match according to how opponents press.
The three Lions won their first match of the Euro in well composed match after Raheem Sterling goal gave them the victory.
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Southgate, who spoke after the game due to the heated discussion between his goal keeper and his centre-defender.
It was seen in the match where Jordan Pickford and John Stone had an argument whether to play a long ball or build up from the back.
“I think they were just deciding (what to do),” Southgate said. “We give them pictures and it depends how the opposition press and there were times where it was on to take on.
“We don’t have as long to work on those patterns playing from goal kicks as you do at a club, and also we’re one mistake away from it being more costly – across 38 games that’s different.
The England boss stated that they make patterns for the player and are left to make the right decision for themselves on the pitch.
“Those guys are able to make those decisions. We give them possible patterns depending on how the opposition are pressing, there was a little spell where we went long and we just talked about that at half-time.
Southgate further explained that he believes they have a centre-forward that can win the ball frequently when they play long.
“We didn’t want to do that every time. But there are moments to go longer, we’ve got a centre-forward who wins more of his share of the ball.
“And we shouldn’t be football snobs. It’s great to play out from the back and get to the halfway line in control of the ball, but it’s just as effective to go to the centre-forward and be in control of the ball and be able to play from there.
“The variety is important against top opposition.”
