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Close encounters: England have to crack Argentina’s ability to prevent close-range shots
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The Guardian·7 days ago

Close encounters: England have to crack Argentina’s ability to prevent close-range shots

Argentina’s underlying defensive process has been stronger than the outcomes so England must make potent use of their set pieces

Argentina’s defence has not always looked befitting of World Cup champions this summer.

Cape Verde, Egypt and Jordan have collectively scored five goals against them, with their only clean sheets coming against Algeria and Austria.

The ease with which relative minnows have broken the backline of Lionel Scaloni’s side should offer ample encouragement to Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.

Argentina’s underlying defensive process has been stronger than the outcomes, though.

Their average of 0.52 expected goals conceded per 90 minutes is only bettered by Spain (0.31) among all 48 teams.

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Sources: The Guardian

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