Four clean sheets at Euro 2020 reflect the players’ focus, adaptability and experience – and the coaches’ meticulousness
I have spent the majority of England’s Euro 2020 behind Jordan Pickford’s goal, observing how Gareth Southgate’s revolving and evolving defence has avoided conceding in four consecutive matches. It may be a cliche but goals win games while clean sheets win tournaments, and England’s defensive muscle is the foundation of their success.
Southgate has ensured the defenders are well-drilled but what makes the England backline stand out is their communication and desire to play for one another. Five of the back six (including the goalkeeper) who started against Germany were in the side that lost to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, so they know each other incredibly well and have experience of tournament football, which comes across in how they play.
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