Nigeria vs England : What is your take on the match?

As it turns out, the boos are thought to be the Nigerian fans’ way of venting their frustration towards the Spurs midfielder for choosing to play for England instead of Nigeria. His debut – coming into the team for the injured Geoff Hurst no less – saw him score in a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace. What did we learn? England’s talisman and chief goal threat appears to be warming up for the World Cup nicely, and will be buoyed by hitting his eighth England goal in his past seven global appearances.

Pope had a good season for Burnley and kept more clean sheets than any other English ‘keeper.

Southgate still has time to work on those tactical issues as England have one more friendly – against Costa Rica in Leeds on Thursday – before they fly to Russian Federation for their Group G opener against Tunisia in Volgograd on June 18.

At half-time Nigeria were 2-0 down and playing poorly.

Nigeria made four changes at the break and came out with a tempo that had been sorely lacking previously.

Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi will operate from the flanks as inverted wingers with Odion Ighalo leading the line.

Southgate’s team have conceded just a single goal in five since their permanent switch to a back three against Lithuania in October 2017.

They are growing, and one of their major advantage now is that they have the opportunity of playing in the first 11 of any clubs in the World.

Spotting Trippier’s over-lapping run, Alli teed up his Tottenham team-mate for a low cross that Lingard flicked goalwards, only for Uzoho to make a fine save.

Trippier was again on dead ball duties and his outswinging effort was met powerfully by Cahill, who outleaped William Troost-Ekong to head home his fifth England goal. Countless England chances flowed from the excellent play from Dele and Lingard. Both players are superb defenders and were relentless in hunting the ball down and stealing ahead of their opponents to win the ball back.

If Southgate’s switch to a back three was prompted by Chelsea and Antonio Conte’s success with the tactic in 2016/2017, the tactician’s insistence on a patient possession style certainly mirrors Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side. Here, we look at the talking points from the contest. Hopefully, we will get one over them on Saturday. Though few expect England to do well in Russian Federation, it appears the England squad themselves are confident of a good performance. And after Harry Maguire picked up a knock, he found himself in the side vs. Nigeria. Give us a chance to show what we can do is the common refrain emerging from press conferences.