Amina UmarEngland’s recent match against Switzerland was a familiar sight for West Ham fans, with the team’s tactics and struggles eerily reminiscent of the Hammers’ own style of play under David Moyes.
The Three Lions’ lack of pace, poor positioning, and reliance on long balls had fans scratching their heads, wondering why Gareth Southgate’s team was so ineffective.As the game wore on, England found themselves defending deep, with even Harry Kane dropping back to defend in his own 18-yard box.
It was a tactical approach that West Ham fans have grown all too accustomed to, and it seemed to be heading for a predictable defeat when Switzerland took the lead.However, just like Moyes, Southgate proved to be reactive rather than proactive, making substitutions only after his team had gone behind. The introductions of fresh legs and new ideas finally brought some balance to the team, and England managed to score an equalizer, taking the game to extra time.
Despite the extended period, England continued to struggle, with Switzerland dominating possession and peppering Jordan Pickford’s goal. It seemed as though the game was destined for a penalty shootout, and Southgate’s tactics were criticized for being overly cautious.However, in a surprising turn of events, England’s set piece specialists, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold, were introduced in extra time, and they played a crucial role in the eventual penalty shootout victory.
Bukayo Saka’s impressive goal and nerveless penalty kick were also highlights of the match.While England’s performance was far from convincing, they managed to scrape through to the Euro 24 semi-finals, leaving fans wondering if football is indeed coming home. The match was a stark reminder of the struggles that West Ham fans have endured in recent years, but also offered a glimmer of hope that even the most unlikely of teams can achieve success with the right tactics and a bit of luck.
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