England's football team had an impressive run in the Euro 2020, reaching the final and finishing as the runners-up to Italy. One of the key factors that helped them progress in the tournament was their ball possession, which averaged at 53% throughout the competition. In this article, we will explore the significance of ball possession in football and how it contributed to England's success.
Ball possession is a fundamental aspect of modern football. It refers to the amount of time a team holds the ball during a game. In possession-based football, players aim to keep the ball for as long as possible and use it to create scoring opportunities. Possession-based football requires a high level of technical skill, tactical discipline, and teamwork.
The benefits of ball possession in football are numerous. It allows a team to control the game's tempo, dictate the style of play, and wear out the opposition. A team with more ball possession is likely to create more chances and have more shots on goal. In addition, holding the ball can also help a team to defend its lead, as it prevents the opposition from launching any meaningful attacks.
Under the management of Gareth Southgate, England developed a possession-based style of football for Euro 2020. The team relied on a solid midfield consisting of Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips, and Mason Mount, who were tasked with controlling the game's tempo and keeping the ball moving. The forwards, led by captain Harry Kane, were also involved in the build-up play, dropping deeper to receive the ball and create chances.
England's possession-based strategy was evident in their statistics. In the group stage, they dominated possession in all three games, averaging at 62% against Croatia, 55% against Scotland, and 64% against the Czech Republic. In the knockout rounds, they maintained an average of 49% possession, indicating a more balanced approach against stronger opposition.
England's ball possession played a crucial role in their success in Euro 2020, especially in the early stages of the tournament. In the group stage, they scored two of their three goals from open play, both of which were the result of patient build-up play and intricate passing.
Moreover, England's ball possession helped them to control the games against weaker opposition, which allowed them to conserve energy and avoid overexertion. In the knockout rounds, their possession-based approach helped them to navigate through some challenging matches, such as the quarter-final against Ukraine, where they dominated possession with 57% and scored four goals.
While ball possession is a valuable asset in modern football, it is not a guarantee of success. There are limitations to possession-based football, especially against teams that are strong defensively and can counter-attack with pace. In the final against Italy, England's ball possession strategy was put to the test, as the Italians played with a more counter-attacking approach.
England struggled to break down the Italian defense, failing to create many clear-cut chances despite having 53% possession. Italy eventually won the game on penalties, highlighting the fact that ball possession alone does not win games.
Ball possession played a significant role in England's success in Euro 2020, especially in the early stages of the tournament. Their possession-based approach allowed them to control games against weaker opposition, conserve energy, and progress to the knockout rounds. However, possession-based football has its limitations, and England's defeat in the final is a testament to that. Ball possession alone does not win games, but it is undoubtedly an essential component of modern football and can help teams to achieve success.