England breezed past Ukraine in the quarter-final of the European Championship and right now they are one of the favourites to become the champions.
A lot of people were expecting England to play a slightly defensive and tactical game since a lot was riding on the outcome of this one. But, Gareth Southgate’s side started on the front foot and managed to score four past Ukraine on the night.
The English forwards were outstanding on Saturday night but according to Alan Shearer, the duo of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips are absolutely crucial to this side as they make sure that England’s front men can play with a lot more freedom.
“Those two sitting midfielders have been magnificent in most games,” Shearer said on the BBC, as per Caught Off Side.
“That allows players ahead of them to go and express themselves. Whether it’s [Jack] Grealish who comes on, [Jadon] Sancho, Harry Kane, [Raheem] Sterling, I don’t think that matters because he’s got so many options and they’re all in form.
“We started the tournament slowly, we are improving in every game. My head is telling me to calm down, but my heart is getting carried away and long may that continue.
“What a performance, what a night. There were so many special performances. It is really positive. Well done Gareth, well done England.”
Another player who has been receiving heavy praise after the 4-0 win is Luke Shaw. The Manchester United left-back has turned his career around in the past one year and right now, he is undoubtedly one of the best left-backs in European football.
In fact, the England international has been so outstanding that even Jose Mourinho has ended up praising him after the Ukraine win.
“Luke Shaw is playing better and better and better,” he told TalkSPORT.
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“I think the back four with the amazing Euros that both central midfielders are doing is more than enough to control Denmark offensively. And then you have four players to decide the creativity of the game.”
Players like Sterling and Harry Kane have been collecting all the accolades after Saturday’s win but the trio of Rice, Phillips and Luke Shaw are the unsung heroes of the match.
The two midfielders were on a yellow card each despite that the manager put his faith in them. And in the end, they did not disappoint.
Kalvin Phillips, Luke Shaw and Declan Rice will be automatic selections when England face Denmark in the semi-final but the Danish attack will be a much sterner test for the Three Lions meaning these three will have to be much more active defensively.
Jordan Henderson bagged one goal on Saturday but with all the yellow cards wiped off, there’s no way Gareth Southgate will break the partnership of Phillips and Rice in defensive midfield. The only way the Liverpool man will get game time in the semi-final is if he comes on as a sub.
Ben Chilwell came back from quarantine a few days ago but Luke Shaw assisted two goals against Ukraine so there’s no way Gareth Southgate will risk unnecessary rotation in the semi-final.
