Case for defence gives England a solid chance going forward

AMID the rampant negativity about England, how about a case for the defence? As Gareth Southgate's side prepare for a last-16 tie against Slovakia on Sunday, they desperately need more coherence and spark in attack.

- Dan Kilpatrick

For all their star quality up top, England have been blunt and timid in the final third, and watching them in the group stage has been an exercise in forgetting how a top-level team creates meaningful chances.

If there is a reason for optimism, however, it is at the other end of the pitch. As dull as they have been going forward, England were the meanest side defensively in the group stage.

They conceded a combined xG (expected goals) of just 1.13 across their three matches, the lowest of all 24 teams in the tournament - including the sides who, as of yesterday morning, had played just twice.

The only goal England have leaked so far in Germany was Morten Hjulmand's screamer, and they have barely given up another presentable chance.