ENGLAND only have three problems ahead of the World Cup: the defence, the midfield, and the attack.
It’s an old joke borrowed from another sport, but Gareth Southgate isn’t laughing as he surveys a side unrecognisable from the Three Lions that achieved so much at the last two major tournaments.
England suffered defeat in their Nations League clash with Italy on Friday night
Giacomo Raspadori put the Three Lions to th sword with a scintillating finish
Gareth Southgate has major headaches ahead of the World Cup
England have gone from being one of the most prolific teams in Europe to failing to score from open play in five consecutive games.
One goal always looked likely to be enough to beat an England team short on ideas and intensity.
And so it proved as Giacomo Raspadori gave Italy a deserved win on Friday night in Milan.
Southgate said: “We’ve got to be decisive in the final third and we’re not managing that at the moment.
“That’s a bit of a head scratcher given the quality of the players and the positions they got themselves into.”
But scratching that itch successfully is what Southgate is paid to do.
Why does Raheem Sterling, to take the most high-profile example, look like a pale imitation of the player he is at club level and has long been for England?
Captain Harry Kane seemed set to beat Wayne Rooney’s 53-goal all-time scoring record in time for the World Cup.
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Now you have to wonder whether England will play enough games in Qatar for him to score the four Kane needs to surpass that personal milestone, let alone lead the team to a historic triumph.
Kane said: “When you get to major tournaments, it’s about being clinical, taking one chance when you get it.
“These last four or five games we haven’t done that.
“We’re just not quite, especially from an attacking front, doing the business at the moment.
“It’s disappointing, for sure, but I’m a confident guy. I know the strikers and attacking players here are confident players.”
The problem is, England don’t look confident.
And they have just one more game to sort that out — a Nations League dead rubber against Germany at Wembley tomorrow.
It feels like a lot of the intensity and belief has gone out of Southgate’s England, particularly up front.
And as ever with the Three Lions boss, there is debate about how to balance defensive strength with attacking threat.
Tournament success was built on a strong defence which has crumbled as players like Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell lose their places at club level, while others struggle for fitness or form.
Bukayo Saka found himself playing left wing-back in Milan on Friday night, but Southgate doesn’t seem to have many other solutions beyond the trusty back-three comes good again, rather than finding a way to make a back four work.
The England boss said: “I think the defenders that are playing well are playing in back threes.
Gareth Southgate has kept the faith with the underperforming Harry Maguire
“Of course if you don’t win matches people will look at everything and we’re always open minded.
“But I think it [three at the back] gives us the best chance, over the next few months, of depth in those positions where, if we get injuries, we’re not changing the system again and starting from scratch.”
The return of Eric Dier was one positive thing to cling to from Friday. The performance of Jude Bellingham was another.
Relying on a teenager with limited big tournament experience is a risk, but Southgate has little choice.
His options in central midfield were already limited before Kalvin Phillips, fans’ player of the year in the season England reached the Euros final, had surgery on a shoulder that makes him no better than 50/50 to go to Qatar.
Southgate said: “We have a slight lack of depth in the middle of midfield, which is a concern – but I think Jude had an excellent game, which is encouraging.”
It is, but not enough to override all the other issues.
Even England’s set-pieces, such a potent weapon at the 2018 World Cup, aren’t working anymore.
So it feels a lot like Southgate’s side have become the football version of the nation’s cricket team in 1986.
It was famously written: They can’t bat, can’t bowl, and can’t field.
What happened? Mike Gatting’s side went on to win the Ashes in Australia.
So maybe, just maybe, it will be alright on the night in Qatar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a beginner learn to box at home?
Boxing is one among the oldest sports known to mankind. Boxing was first developed to train warriors against their enemies in ancient times. Boxing can still be found all over the world. You don’t need to go to the gym to box. All you need is a pair of gloves, some punching bags, and a few friends to spar with.
You can also find local amateur boxing clubs where you can join and get trained by professional coaches. Once you master basic punches & combinations, you will be ready for competition in tournaments.
How do I practice boxing alone?
If you’re looking for a partner to practice boxing, you can watch boxing matches on television. You can also find an amateur boxing gym near you. Amateur boxing groups often have regular training sessions. These sessions typically involve sparring partners, who often hit pads together.
You can also train boxing with punching bags. Just make sure that you’re wearing protective gear such as boxing gloves before hitting the bag.
What are the best ways to learn boxing defense from home?
Boxing is one the oldest martial arts known. Boxing is also one of most difficult sports to learn. You don’t just punch someone in the face and knock him out. You must be able defend yourself from kicks and punches.
The first thing you need to do is find a boxing gym near you. Once you have located a good gym, you can get gloves and headgear. Gloves protect your hands and the headgear your head. You will also need shorts and a shirt.
After you have all the equipment you need, it’s time to get warm. Begin slowly, then gradually increase your speed. Once you feel comfortable, go for it and spar with another boxer. Don’t worry if you miss. You can always try again until it is perfect.
How do you practice boxing punches.
A punching bag is used to practice boxing punches. You’ll need to keep punching the bag until you feel you have mastered the technique. Next, you’ll move on to the next part of your body. Once you feel confident with the area, move on to next.
Do you have the ability to train yourself to box?
Yes, it is possible to learn how to box. You just need to find a boxing gym near you and join a class. You will find most gyms offering free classes. However, if there isn’t one near you, you can always search Google for local boxes clubs.
Also, you will need equipment such as gloves, mouthpiece, headgear, sparring partners, and headgear. Once you have all the equipment, you can start practicing your kicks and punches.
How long does it take for you to master boxing?
Boxing is one the oldest forms of martial arts. The first recorded boxing match was held in China around 2200 BC. Boxing has existed for thousands upon thousands of generations. Today, boxing is still loved by celebrities and athletes. It takes around 10 months for a boxer to be proficient.
Because boxing involves so many movements, it is slow to learn. Each movement requires specific muscles to perform properly. So, it takes time to develop these muscles.
Once you have mastered the art of moving your body, you are ready to start learning any type or boxing technique. Each technique will become easier over time.
Statistics
- It is just like normal sparring with a partner, but you want to throw punches at 75% of your normal speed. (wikihow.com)
- You want to be running at roughly 75-80% of your top speed..5 mile slow, easy recovery jog at the end.[6]X Research source 2Mix in long runs, shadow boxing, and short sprints on non-interval days. (wikihow.com)
External Links
expertboxing.com
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How To
How do I set up a boxing gym at my house?
How to setup a boxing gym is a common question asked every day by people who want to start their own business. Many people want to know how much they should spend on equipment and what size space is required. How many employees are needed? The cost of starting a business can be affected by many factors. Location, type of business and number of employees are all important factors. Most people don’t realize the importance to have good equipment. You cannot begin if you don’t own the right equipment. These are some great tips for starting a home boxing club.
- You will need somewhere to train. A garage, basement, spare room or even the living room would work just fine. It is only necessary that enough space exists to allow for equipment installation.
- A punching bag or two is necessary. It is crucial because you will not be able practice punches if you don’t have a punching bag. This can be anything from a small plastic bag to heavy leather bags. You should ensure that the bag is large enough to accommodate you comfortably. You should also ensure it is durable and strong so it can last many years.
- You will need a mat. Matting is used to protect floors and walls when practicing kicks. It is made mostly of foam rubber. They can be bought online or offline stores.
- A bench is necessary. You can use a bench to support your body when you are doing pushups. You can buy them online or in-store. However, make sure that you choose the right size for you.
- A speedbag is necessary. Speedbags allow you to make quick hand movements. You can purchase them online or in-store. Make sure that you buy a quality product which will last long.
- A headgear is essential. The headgear protects your head during sparring sessions. You can buy it from either online shops or offline stores. Make sure you get something that fits and protects your face.
- Gloves are necessary. Gloves protect your hands during sparring sessions. These gloves are available online and in offline shops. Find the right pair for you.
- You will need a mouthpiece. Mouthpieces can be used to protect your smile during sparring sessions. These are available online and in offline shops. Make sure you choose the pair that fits your style and meets your needs.
- You will need a ring. Rings are used to simulate real fights. You can buy them online or offline. So that you don’t get injured during sparring, ensure it has padding both sides.
- Towels are essential. Towels are used to wipe sweat off after each workout session. They can be purchased in your local sporting goods stores or online. You should ensure that they are absorbent and soft.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/boxing/tyson-fury-vs-anthony-joshua-in-doubt-as-promoter-eddie-hearn-says-aj-will-not-sign-contract-by-monday-deadline/
