England analysis: Three-man defence hints at tactical shake-up as Harry Winks enters World Cup debate

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James Olley8 October 2017

England beat Lithuania 1-0 in Vilnius in their final 2018 World Cup qualifier courtesy of a Harry Kane penalty.

Tottenham striker Kane led England to victory against Slovenia with a late goal at Wembley in midweek as captain, and the skipper was at it again with a first-half penalty securing all three points in Vilnius.

James Olley assesses the key talking points from Vilnius...

Three at the back makes a comeback

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Gareth Southgate has experimented with a back three in high-profile friendlies but this was the first time England have used the system in a competitive match for 11 years.

That night, it was an abject failure as Steve McClaren’s side were beaten 2-0 by Croatia and England abandoned the plan altogether thereafter.

But Southgate is clear in wanting his team to be equally adept in 3-4-2-1 as they are 4-2-3-1 by the time the finals come around.

Dele Alli and Marcus Rashford linked up in promising fashion early on but there were only ever flashes of the sort of link-up play Southgate craves.

The England manager is likely to use 3-4-2-1 in at least one of the friendlies against Germany and Brazil next month.

Winks enters central midfield debate

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It says plenty about the state of this England squad that a 21-year-old with just four Premier League starts in his life - and not even selected in Southgate’s original squad despite a number of injuries - was given a chance here.

However, Harry Winks looked composed on his debut and even managed that rarity for an England central midfielder: a good, early forward pass.

Rashford was unable to capitalise on that occasion but it was still a chance to run at backpedalling, rather than static, defenders. Mauricio Pochettino has used Winks to close out big matches, relying on his maturity and efficiency in possession.

It doesn’t take much to enter the conversation as to who should start for England in central midfield next summer but there was evidence here Winks deserves to be in the mix; he almost marked the occasion with a goal eight minutes after the restart, forcing a fine save from Lithuania goalkeeper Ernestas Setkus.

The task is to cement his place for Spurs over the months ahead, especially with Jack Wilshere and Fabian Delph likely to return to the England setup next month.

Kane continues his remarkable form

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It seemed logical that Harry Kane would be one of the players rested for the trip to Lithuania given England had already qualified and his central importance next summer.

Yet Kane captained the side and played the full 90 minutes, scoring England’s opening goal to extend a stunning recent run. The statistics are worth spelling out: seven goals in his last six internationals, 15 in 10 for club and country since September 1 and now 12 in 23 England appearances.

Any optimism England supporters can muster about the World Cup finals surely centres on Kane continuing in this vein.

Butland needs more of a test

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This was only the fifth time in 35 internationals since Euro 2012 that Joe Hart did not start for England. Butland has long been mooted as a possible No.1 to replace Hart and he was finally given an opportunity in Vilnius.

However, although Lithuania sporadically threatened - with Darvydas Sernas wasted two excellent second-half opportunities by firing badly off target - Butland’s biggest test came as Michael Keane tried to turn a 55th-minute cross behind for a corner.

Instead, Keane diverted it towards Butland’s right-hand upright but the Stoke goalkeeper was alert enough to claw the ball to safety. That moment demonstrated good concentration and focus but further evidence is needed before the case for usurping Hart is overwhelming.

Fans make their own amusement

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England supporters were fully exposed to the incessant rain which fell throughout the afternoon here and until the second half, by which time their team’s performance had largely fizzled out prompting them to make their own amusement.

News of Slovenia equalising and then taking the lead against Scotland led to huge cheers and plenty of schadenfreude from those clad in free ponchos given out by stadium staff.

Uefa are likely to take action after a flare was set off in response to Kane’s successful penalty while plastic bottles were thrown onto the pitch on more than one occasion. The fact there was precious little entertainment for them to enjoy during the game won’t be taken into account.

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