Estonia vs. England: Key Issues That Will Shape Euro 2016 Qualifier
Having navigated the essentially nonexistent threat posed by San Marino, England travel to Estonia on Sunday to face a side ranked 127 places higher in FIFA's world rankings.
The home side recorded an impressive 1-0 win over Slovenia in their first game, a nation listed almost 30 places above them. That result was then tarnished by Thursday's 1-0 loss to a Lithuania side ranked 22 spots below them.
England's 5-0 mauling of San Marino leaves the Three Lions joint top of Group E and coasting toward what seems an inevitable place at Euro 2016.
Here's a look at some of the factors set to shape Sunday's game.
How England Develop the Diamond
1 of 4
Roy Hodgson is doing his best to forge a new identity for his side.
Judging from the two qualifiers played, that involves a diamond system with a No. 10 playing behind two strikers.
This should make England an effective counter-attacking unit during tough away trips.
Estonia is no such thing.
In their home win against Slovenia, Magnus Pehrsson's side enjoyed just 38 per cent possession and enforced direct tactics to the tune of one in five passes being classed as long.
On that evidence, England will once again encounter a defensive unit with men behind the ball and a highly populated final third, making it more about team cohesion than the system.
It will be interesting to see exactly how regimented Hodgson's approach is and if the diamond remains throughout.
How Estonia Exploit the Width
2 of 4
Any diamond system is susceptible to attacks from the flanks.
The two narrow midfielders will often get sucked into central midfield, leaving the full-backs facing occasional two-on-one situations.
Having sent in 25 crosses from open play during their defeat to Lithuania, this is something Estonia are equipped to do, depending on their ambition.
If Kieran Gibbs and Calum Chambers continue at full-back, the hosts can potentially ask questions of an inexperienced duo at international level.
How Estonia Foil Raheem Sterling
3 of 4
England's creative spark will come from Raheem Sterling, presumably in the No. 10 role, although he will have freedom to roam around in search of pockets of space.
If he finds some, he will have both Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck running ahead of him, presenting the hosts with a dangerous attacking triangle.
The more Estonia shackle Sterling and disrupt that triangle, the more they can detach England's strikers from midfield.
Sterling is quickly becoming England's key man and his prominence may well determine the visitors' eventual success.
England's Patience
4 of 4
Essentially, this game will be another test of England's patience.
There will be numerous bodies behind the ball. There will be disruptive, time-wasting tactics, as well as limited space for individual flair.
Unfortunately, for a team that meets up so rarely, movement, anticipation and combination play will be key to breaking the home side down—traits that take time to foster in a new side.
The first goal will be crucial, and England must remain calm and continue trying to play through Estonia. Set pieces will also be key, as was the case against San Marino.
Statistics via WhoScored.com and TLS Football app (subscription required).
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
