In this match report, we focus on Euro 2022 hosts England in their game against the Netherlands. In the first half, it looked like the Netherlands edged the English, but a rampant second half saw them win 5-1 at Elland Road.
Ratings:
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, re-watch
- D – Below average in this match
Lauren Hemp
Player Profile
- Nationality: England
- Age: 21
- Date of Birth: 07/08/2000
- Current Club: Manchester City
- Career: Bristol City, Manchester City
- Position: Winger
England played in a 4-2-3-1 and Lauren Hemp played as the wide midfielder/winger in that attacking midfield trio. With Frank Kirby and Beth England coming into the box, her crosses were a vital part of the attack.
On the ball Hemp is one of the best, but she struggled in the first half because of the Dutch defense and suboptimal English tactics. She was double-marked and couldn’t get in her usual position of 1v1s with space in front of her. Passing options were limited, so she couldn’t express her creative freedom. In the second half, she got a bit more space and that’s where she showed her brilliance. Technically gifted with the ball, the skill to beat her direct opponent, use her pace and agility, and pick out a runner from deep – as she did for the 2-1. She has a great shot herself, which she showed everyone by scoring a difficult volley.
Her attacking movement is linked to her passing ability and she thrives with a double-pivot that goes higher up the pitch. As she gets the ball, she looks for the 1-2 combination and goes directly into the left wide area. Her crosses always seem to give danger in the box. But all this only happened, when the defence wasn’t double-marking her and she doesn’t do too well with aggressive pressing.
Because she has the confidence to go into 1v1s, she often does that and she has to ability to confront her opponent every time. But, sometimes overcommits in doings so ann
Rating: A1
Chloe Kelly
Player Profile
- Nationality: England
- Age: 24
- Date of Birth: 15/01/1998
- Current Club: Manchester City
- Career: Arsenal, Everton, Manchester City
- Position: Striker
England played in a 4-2-3-1 and Chloe Kelly played as the wide midfielder/winger in that attacking midfield trio but on the right side. With Fran Kirby and Beth England coming into the box, her crosses were a vital part of the attack.
Chloe Kelly is another good winger, but different from Hemp. She is good at the ball, can beat her direct opponent in a 1v1 duel, and can provide that cross or key pass, that will lead to a goalscoring opportunity. Her passing is excellent going forward, but her progression is of lesser quality. She lacks the ability to carry the ball into the attacking third and attempts to play around it by passing the ball and making a run into a good position.
She often comes in positions where she can make a difference, but her shooting quality is quite poor in relation to her playmaking abilities, which makes her more prone to be the assister of a goal, than actually scoring herself. In looking for that vital pass, she often attempts the through ball – but they aren’t of great quality.
She is more of a classical winger and likes to remain wide when having the ball and in that role, she is better than when she inverts – which is sometimes needed – because there she is more vulnerable. In receiving the ball, beater her opponent in the 1v1, and providing that cross into the penalty area, she is a really good player within this England squad.
Rating: B1