Charts and Graphs for Episode 56

Send a screenshot of you following the podcast and having listened to this episode to 'attackingchamp@gmail.com' in order to be entered into our Euro 2024 Match Ball Giveaway. Entries close at 19:00 BST on 14th July.

Summary

In this episode of the Attacking the Championship podcast, Tom Butterfield and David Bromley discuss England's performance in the semi-final against the Netherlands. They analyse the team's improved playing style, including more positive and confident play, smart passes, and progressive runs. They also discuss the controversial penalty decision.

In this conversation, Tom and David discuss the performance of Harry Kane in the England national team. They analyze his role and effectiveness in the team, as well as the potential impact of other players in the squad. They also discuss the upcoming final against Spain and share their predictions for the match.

Keywords

England, performance, playing style, smart passes, progressive runs, penalty decision, Harry Kane, Harry Kane, England national team, performance, role, effectiveness, squad, final, Spain, predictions

Takeaways

• England showed an improved playing style in the semi-final, with more positive and confident play
• The team made more smart passes and progressive runs, which helped break through the Dutch defense
• The controversial penalty decision raised questions about the interpretation of fouls and dangerous play
• The role of Harry Kane in the team was discussed, with confusion about his positioning and involvement in the game Harry Kane's performance in the England national team has been a topic of discussion, with questions about his role and effectiveness.
• The team's performance as a whole has influenced Kane's performance, with his effectiveness depending on the support and runners around him.
• The upcoming final against Spain presents a challenge for England, and the team's approach and lineup will be crucial.
• England has a strong squad with talented players who can match up against Spain's players.
• The outcome of the final is uncertain, but both Tom and David hope for an entertaining and competitive match.

Useful Links

X (Twitter) - @champattack

Youtube Channel

Click Here For Charts and Graphs (Episode 55)

In this episode, Tom and David discuss the quarterfinal match between England and Switzerland in the Euros. They analyse England's playing style, which is possession-based, attacking, and direct, but lacking in high press and counter-attacking. They also compare England's style to the Netherlands, who have a more conventional style with a focus on attacking and pressing. The AI engine highlights the lack of substitutions made by England compared to the Netherlands, suggesting a missed opportunity to maintain high energy. They discuss the potential formations and strategies the Netherlands might employ against England in the semifinals. The conversation revolves around the upcoming match between England and the Netherlands in the European Championship. The hosts discuss different strategies and formations that England could use to improve their attacking play. They also express frustration with England's defensive mindset and lack of creativity in the tournament. The conversation ends with a discussion about the strength of the Dutch team and the potential outcome of the match.

Keywords

England, Switzerland, Euros, playing style, possession-based, attacking, direct, high press, counter-attacking, Netherlands, substitutions, formations, strategies, England, Netherlands, European Championship, match, strategies, formations, attacking play, defensive mindset, creativity, strength, outcome

Takeaways

• England's playing style is possession-based, attacking, and direct, but lacks high press and counter-attacking.
• The Netherlands have a more conventional style with a focus on attacking and pressing.
• The AI engine highlights the lack of substitutions made by England compared to the Netherlands.
• The Netherlands might adjust their formation and strategy based on England's playing style and potential changes.
• The semifinal match between England and the Netherlands promises to be an interesting clash of styles. England should consider playing with two strikers and a more attacking mindset
• The Dutch team is strong and poses a threat to England
• England's defensive approach has limited their attacking potential
• The hosts express frustration with England's lack of creativity in the tournament
• The outcome of the match is uncertain, but the hosts remain hopeful

Sound Bites

• "England's shape is one that we don't see a lot of... very high in possession ranking, but fifth for direct play."
• "The AI engine seems obsessed with this idea that we don't make many substitutions compared to the Netherlands."
• "If I was the Dutch coach... I would attack England and back us to outscore them."
• "We're going to present the side to us that everybody expected us to present, which is a really powerful, threatening side."
• "We're going to grind it out again... it could be a 1-1 and then penalties and I think we'll get through on the pens."
• "I still think England can win. It will just depend on how we manage the game state and when we make changes."

Useful Links

X (Twitter) - @champattack

Youtube Channel

Charts and Graphs For Episode 54

In this episode, Tom and David discuss the upcoming semifinal match between Spain and France in the European Championship. They analyze the playing styles and strengths of both teams using radar charts and data-driven models.

Spain is shown to be strong in possession, attacking, and pressing, while France excels in counterattacking. However, France has struggled to convert their chances and score goals. The hosts also highlight the importance of key players like N'Golo Kante for France and discuss the potential impact they can have on the game. The conversation focuses on the upcoming match between Spain and France in the European Championship. The hosts discuss the key players and tactics of both teams, as well as their predictions for the outcome of the match.

Keywords

Spain, France, semifinal, European Championship, playing styles, radar charts, possession, attacking, pressing, counterattacking, goals, N'Golo Kante, Spain, France, European Championship, match, key players, tactics, predictions

Takeaways

• Spain and France have different playing styles, with Spain focusing on possession, attacking, and pressing, while France excels in counterattacking.
• France has struggled to convert their chances and score goals in the tournament.
• Key players like N'Golo Kante can have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.
• The match between Spain and France is expected to be a battle between Spain's aggressive attacking and France's solid defense. France has the ability to win games even when they are not at their best
• Spain has been consistent and has not had a bad game yet
• Key players for France include Kante, Mbappe, and Griezmann
• Key players for Spain include Rodri, Pedri, and Nico Williams
• Carvajal's absence could impact Spain's defense against Mbappe
• The match is expected to be a clash of styles, with France potentially playing more defensively
• The hosts have different predictions for the outcome of the match.

Sound Bites

• "Spain have been much more productive, haven't they, in the final third?"
• "In Kante, I think they've got a player that arguably in his prime he was the best in the world for his position."
• "Can France get a performance out of the players that we know is in there?"
• "Spain haven't really had a bad game yet, have they?"
• "Key players for France include Kante, Mbappe, and Griezmann"

Useful Links

X (Twitter) - @champattack

Youtube Channel

To enter our Euro 2024 match ball giveaway send a screen shot of you having followed the podcast and listened to a recent episode to 'attackingchamp@gmail.com'. The giveaway will run until an hour before the Euro 2024 Final Kick Off.

The conversation covers topics such as pre-season training, team dynamics, the England vs. Switzerland match, the performance of young players like Jude Bellingham, and the challenges faced by established teams against lesser nations. The hosts discuss the importance of team chemistry, the impact of set plays, and the role of the manager in making tactical decisions. They also touch on the potential changes in the England lineup for the upcoming match against Switzerland. The conversation revolves around the tactical approach and system of the England national team. The hosts discuss the need for a clear game plan and the importance of players understanding their roles within the team. They explore the idea of changing the system to better suit the players and create more dynamic movement on the pitch. The conversation also touches on the challenges of coaching national teams with limited time for training and the difficulty of selecting the best players versus selecting a system that maximizes their abilities.

Overall, there is a sense of frustration with the current approach of the England team and a desire for more tactical innovation. The conversation revolves around discussing the potential lineup and tactics for the England national football team.

The hosts and guest analyze different formations and player selections, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of various options. They also discuss the importance of confidence and belief in the team's performance. The conversation concludes with predictions for upcoming matches and a sense of optimism for England's chances.

In this bonus episode, Tom, David, and Jed continue their discussion about the England 26-man squad. They answer three questions: the number of EFL league appearances in the squad, the player with the most EFL league appearances, and the player with the fewest EFL league appearances. They also talk about the importance of the EFL as a learning ground for young players. The episode ends with a giveaway announcement for a Euro 2024 match ball.

Useful Links

X (Twitter) - @champattack

Youtube Channel

Charts and Graphs For This Episode

In this episode we talk through Saturday's Quarter Final matches involving

Switzerland v England and

Netherlands v Turkey

We take a look at how the data has shaped their playing style and how that could potentially give us a clue to how that could shape the game script.

We talk in more detail about the England Team in episode 53 when we're joined by est Bromwich Albion Club Captain, Jed Wallace.

Useful Links

X (Twitter) - @champattack

Youtube Channel

EFL Championship Fans Group

Let's be honest...... when there'd no football on things can get a little slow. So best thing is to come up with some juvenile games.

Have you got any better suggestions for our England and World Food XI's? Put them in a review or a comment on our youtube channel.

Useful Links

X (Twitter) - @champattack

Youtube Channel

Euro 2024 Quarter Final Previews

In this episode, Tom and David celebrate the 50th episode of the podcast.

They reflect on their journey so far and express gratitude to their listeners.

They discuss the strengths and weaknesses of various teams and players who play in Friday's European Championship Quarter Finals, focusing on the games between Spain and Germany, and Portugal and France. The hosts analyze the playing styles and metrics of each team, including possession, passing, and pressing. They speculate on which team will be more comfortable out of possession and make predictions for the outcomes of the matches.

The hosts highlight the importance of adapting to the opposition and discuss the tactical approaches of the teams. They express their hopes for exciting and competitive games.

Useful Links

X (Twitter) - @champattack

Youtube Channel

Here are the files included in this episode:

England Key Passes

Netherlands Key Passes

Slovakia Passes

Tom's England Team V Slovakia

David's England Team v Slovakia

England have squeaked through to the last 16 at the 2024 European Football Championships, and they're scheduled to play Slovakia on Sunday 30th June at 17:00.

However, we expected to be playing the Netherlands as Portugal were massive favourites to avoid defeat V Georgia....... but that's what makes sport so fantastic, it's not played on paper! An outstanding performance by Georgia resulted in a 2-0 win, and David tearing his hair out as he'd already completed all the research for the Netherlands! (LOL!) Back to the drawing board, but that research was still interesting to compare Englands expected opponent (Netherlands), against their actual opponent (Slovakia).

England have advanced as group winners, and Slovakia have advanced as a third place finisher from a tough and competitive group containing Belgium (who they defeated 1-0 on match day 1), Romania and Ukraine.

England are currently ranked 5th, and Slovakia are ranked 45th in the current FIFA World Rankings. Therefore, on paper, it would seem that England are strong favourites to progress to play either Italy or Switzerland in the next round.

However, if you've listened to our podcast before you'll know that we look beneath the surface in order to find more detail to their underlying performance.

One of the key attacking metrics in a short tournament like the European Championships are the number of 'Key Passes' that are created by a team.

Therefore, we looked at each of the key passes completed by the England team over the three group games. A key pass remember is a pass that leads to a goal scoring chance. England have clocked up 4 key passes in 3 matches....... and zero key passes against 57th in the world Slovenia.

But how does that stack up against 7th in the world Netherlands team? The Netherlands have completed 12 key passes even though they have arguably competed in a very strong group containing France, Austria and Poland.

Slovakia have only scored 3 goals in three games....... one more than England by the way. Even though they've only scored 3 goals they've completed 8 key passes, double that of England.

This confirms to us that England are clearly under performing in the attacking department. Yes, they've only conceded one goal, however, if England are to progress deep into the competition we feel the balance and mentality of the team needs to change in order to get the most out of the attacking talent the squad no doubt has in it's locker.

David and Tom pick their England team to play Slovakia. Will there be changes? What would you do? At the time of recording Phil Foden wasn't due to rejoin the England squad until match day, however, he's now returned to the team. Tom would prefer Foden in the 10 role ahead of Bellingham as Jude has looked frustrated and jaded. He's a young lad and perhaps bringing him on later in the game would provide the impact required.

David and Tom predict the result of the game based upon their preferred team selection.... both are positive IF these changes happen...... but they're not confident Gareth will now make any...