U21 EUROs: England vs Slovenia Tactical Analysis & xG Insights
In a tightly contested match, England U21 and Slovenia U21 played out a goalless draw. Despite the lack of goals, the game was not short on action, particularly from the English side, which dominated possession and created more significant chances.
Possession-Based Football from England U21
England U21, employing a tactical style focused on possession and high pressing, managed to control the game with a whopping 67% possession and made 627 passes with an impressive 88% accuracy. Even under pressure, their pass completion rate only slightly dropped to 86%, showcasing their capability to maintain composure and stick to their football tactics even when faced with aggressive defending.
Slovenia U21’s Compact Defensive Strategy
On the other hand, Slovenia U21 adopted a more direct approach with a low defensive block. They recorded just 33% possession, completed 354 passes at 76% accuracy, and struggled more under pressure - with their pass completion falling to around 70% when pressed by England. Their plan prioritised containment over creation.
xG, xT & Chance Quality
The flow of the game was reflected in the underlying numbers:
Expected Goals (xG):
England U21 2.7 – 0.7 Slovenia U21
Expected Threat (xT):
England U21 2.2 – 0.3 Slovenia U21
Expected Points (xP):
England 1.02 – 0.67 Slovenia
England generated significantly more and better chances, but couldn’t convert, while Slovenia maximized defensive stability to secure a point. These metrics are key insights for anyone studying football analytics or aspiring to become a football scout.
Top Performers
The best players of the game were:
Harvey Daniel James Elliott
Charlie Richard Cresswell
Valentino Francisco Livramento
Their individual performances contributed heavily to England’s structure and attacking threat - players worth tracking if you're deep into football analysis.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while England U21 was the more dominant team and looked more likely to score, Slovenia U21's defensive tactics and resilience under pressure ensured they shared the spoils in this encounter.
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