18' - 25' |
The goal settled England further as they continued controlling possession through their midfield, patiently probing for openings while Italy tried to reorganize their defensive structure, and the pattern became clear—England were simply sharper in their rotations, cleaner in their passing, more confident in their decision-making.
At the 21st minute Italy attempted to respond with a quick counter-attack as their right winger collected a loose clearance and drove forward, beating Carter Ives with a quick stepover before accelerating into space, but Tyler Nix read the danger perfectly and stepped across from center-back position to make a clean tackle that won the ball and drew applause from the crowd.
"Good defending from Nix," the commentator observed. "England very organized at the back. Carsley will be pleased with the discipline in their shape."
