#18 - My Thoughts on England's World Cup Exit
England's 2-1 defeat to France on Saturday saw the Three Lions return home from Qatar at the quarter-final stage. Every tournament elimination heartbreak is different, but each time it's just as painful as the last. It was again a penalty which was the difference between despair and elation, as well as a chance to face history-makers Morocco in the World Cup semi-final. Instead, it was the holders who progressed as the French have the opportunity to become the first nation to retain their world champion status since Brazil did it in 1962. So, where did it all go wrong for Gareth Southgate and his men? I took some time to reflect on a decisive game in Qatar. Going into the game, I was debating whether a four or five at the back would be the best approach for how to nullify the threat France possess going forward. Having Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier doubling up on in-form Kylian Mbappe seemed smart, but using a five at the back meant losing a man in the middle of the pitch.