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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Jonathan Liew

England’s weak left flank is the flaw that threatens to derail their Euros

Harry Maguire in action for England against Malta
Harry Maguire plays as a left sided centre-back for England and with the defender turning on to his favoured right foot the team’s left flank is starved of quick service. Photograph: Frankie Okeeffe/PPAUK/Shutterstock

Italy v England, eight months ago. Harry Maguire, under pressure near the left touchline, tries to play a forward pass off his weaker foot. Italy regain possession and in the utter disarray that follows Mateo Retegui drifts into the space left behind Maguire and Luke Shaw – who will later be sent off – and scores.

Ukraine v England, September. This one looks like Ben Chilwell’s fault, but it isn’t really. Instead, he gets isolated by James Maddison, who fails to track back and allows Ukraine a two-on-one on their right flank. Yukhym Konoplya crosses, Oleksandr Zinchenko scores.

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