In my preview of yesterday’s match, I predicted that Italy would win 2-1 on the basis that they had the edge on England in the group stage statistically; more possession and shots, and fewer shots against.
I may have got the scoreline wrong, but the Azzurri easily dominated a poor England side as expected. With the Three Lions now heading home, I thought I’d look at their stats and consider what they mean for England.
As an English Liverpool fan, I have taken a keen interest in the news that Roy Hodgson is likely to be appointed the next England manager.
Whilst I was not a fan of him during his time at Anfield, I can also appreciate the good work he has done at Fulham and West Bromwich Albion over the last few years. Of course, the expectations at the latter two clubs are significantly lower than they are on the red half of Merseyside, so it may be easier to be successful with those teams.
football by the numbers
Football statistics and analysis
Using analytics to discover interesting and useful information in football data
Football, Stats, Books, and everything else.
Thoughts on the global game, usually from a tactical view.
Football Numbers, Music & Links
Statistics Analytics in Football
analysing rugby union | #ruganalysis
"“Show me a guy who's afraid to look bad, and I'll show you a guy you can beat every time.” Lou Brock
Maths a seven year-old is capable of
