Quote Originally Posted by lardy View Post
I think it's a bit of both. Italy deservedly took the trophy and were the better side. But a better tactician than Southgate would have reacted after the first 10 minutes of the second half, when it was becoming obvious that Mancini was pinning his wingbacks.

England's advantage was speedy, tricky players (they have them coming out of their ears in this squad) against an Italian defence that was experienced but not young. The centreback partnership had an average age of 35. But although the game was a draw, the Italians had twice as much possession and took three times as many shots.

In the group stage, England seemed to finish every game with only two or three shots on target, but did a lot better in the quarters and semis. Overall, and in the final, I think it's fair to say that England didn't make the most of the area where they were strongest.
Particularly bearing in mind said centre-backs were also both on yellow cards for a large part of the game.