Where do England go now after the draw with France

12 June 2012 15:58
England did not pull up any trees with the 1-1 draw with France, but they certainly have something to build upon.

Back-to-back wins in the Euro 2012 warm-up games and the draw with France have provided England fans with the belief that they can have a go and make something of this tournament.

With seemingly the hardest of the three group games now out of the way, Roy Hodgson will need to freshen things up and chance his team's approach in the next two games against Sweden and Ukraine.

England worked well to contain France, with a solid showing from a rigid back four.

Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole found themselves in more withdrawn full-back roles, defending well without venturing forward as often as the do in the Premier League.

Despite Hodgson's claims that his side would be setting out to beat France, it was clearly a contained performance from England, aiming to keep their opponents at bay and not committing to attack.

This however will not be the same against Sweden and Ukraine.

England will need to approach both games with the aim to win, with four points from the two games being the minimum expected.

With the return of Wayne Rooney from suspension, Hodgson will also have to consider bringing him in to the team for the final game against Ukraine, with Welbeck being the player currently occupying the centre forward position.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was the shock inclusion in Hodgson's starting XI for the game with France and the decision to keep him in the team is another he will need to make.

Rooney's return could spark a shake up, with the Man United man possibly pairing with his club team-mate up front and Ashley Young being shifted onto the left hand side of midfield.

The reduced expectations have allowed England to to build on their shape and style.

A win against Sweden will raise fans hopes once again, with the knowledge that a win edges England even closer to going through and progressing in Euro 2012.

Source: DSG