The UEFA Nations League may well lack the glamour which is typically associated with competitive international competitions which promise glistening silverware at the end of the road, but there was little sign of complacency from England on Sunday afternoon when they faced Croatia at Wembley.
A competition which lacks clarity over its format and exactly how seriously sides should take it, the Nations League represents something of an enigma in modern day football. But there is something rather exciting and logical about pitting sides of similar ability against one another in this new look tournament, and that became apparent at the home of English football on Sunday.
Croatia have broken English hearts at the new Wembley before and more recently in Russia, and a similar destiny appeared to beckon for the Three Lions when Andrej Kramaric’s strike agonisingly looped into the corner of Jordan Pickford’s net after 57 minutes.
The former Leicester City man’s opener was harsh on a defensive unit who had afford Croatia little by way of time and space in possession until that point, with John Stones and Joe Gomez expertly marshalling a back-four with an assurance that hinted at a wealth of experience which neither player can boast.
Not only were Gomez and Stones consistently in the right place to intercept Croatia’s efforts to make a rare foray into the final-third, they were both comfortable and productive in possession of the ball.
England eventually hosted a late show to clinch all three points and seal their place in the finals of the Nations League, which is set to take place in Portugal next June and, while Harry Kane naturally stole the plaudits for his poachers finish to win the game, it was the defensive pairing of Gomez and Stones which really caught the eye of BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty.
McNulty rated Stones with a 7/10 and had this to say about his performance: ‘Steady alongside Gomez. An outstanding partnership in the making.’
Gomez was hailed as man of the match with an 8/10 rating, and it’s difficult to argue with the verdict based on the quality which both players showcased in a back-four which is blessed with genuine talent.
Based on how the partnership is beginning to bloom it would not be hasty to tip the pairing to become the next Rio Ferdinand and John Terry at the heart of defence.
But what Stones perhaps lacks in brawn in comparison to Terry he more than makes up with in brains, as his first-touch, distribution and awareness are synonymous with that of some of the greatest ball-playing defenders of all-time; this man is destined to go the very, very top of the game.
Alongside Laporte at Manchester City he has established a partnership which is finely balanced and thriving, and it seems that his exploits at club level are set to be matched at international level with Gomez by his side.
That Gomez is just 21-years-old is perhaps the most exciting aspect of a future partnership which looks destined to provide the foundations of a new-look England side who have banished plenty of demons from a troubling past since Southgate took charge.
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