Switzerland

An hour of Gallagher’s flicks and feints goes a long way for Southgate | Barney Ronay

26-Mar-2022 21:25:20 | The Guardian

The England manager relaxes his tactical grip for 60 minutes with a bold midfield before reverting to pragmatic type

As bitty, meandering spring friendlies go this was a quietly fascinating evening at Wembley Stadium. What did we learn? What messages will England take “going forward” from a fortunate 2-1 victory against a dogged Switzerland in a game of weirdly unbound interludes and, at times, a jarringly open England midfield.

For one thing, it turns out an hour of Conor Gallagher goes a long way. This was a hugely instructive first England start, although not perhaps in the way those enjoying Gallagher’s flicks and feints, the basic joy of watching a footballer who hares about like a puppy chasing squirrels, might have hoped.