Finally playing like an EPL side

For years England have tried - and failed - to copy the styles of successful European national teams, but now Gareth Southgate appears to have found a way to replicate the intensity of England's best Premier League teams.

The 6-1 win over Panama on Sunday may have come against one of the tournament's weakest sides, making definitive conclusions unwise, but the manner of the victory certainly highlighted the work Southgate has done with the team.

Although Southgate's formation and tactics have been hailed as progressive and modern, there is also something traditionally English about the team's strengths.

Finally, England have a team where players are performing in the same manner, with the same intensity and positivity, that they show with their clubs every week.

Fans in front of a big screen in London were doing the same while those at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium (bellow) were beside themselves with joy. PHOTO: REUTERS

Tactically, there is nothing particularly revolutionary about the formation Southgate is using. In Italy in 1990, when England reached the last four, Bobby Robson brought in Mark Wright and played with three central defenders.

That set-up is perfect for giving freedom to attacking full-backs -- a role which is itself a long-standing part of English football, with the excellent Kieran Trippier following in the path of overlapping full-backs such as Stuart Pearce and Kenny Sansom.

Another long-standing England strength is aerial power..

Both England goals against Tunisia came from Trippier corners, and that route led to the opening goal against Panama when Stones headed in powerfully. England caused havoc from set-pieces all game.

The third goal, a beautiful strike from Jesse Lingard, originated from the kind of swift, incisive approach play and confident finish that fills Premier League highlights reels but has been all too rare a feature of England performances.

As if to emphasis their power in the air, England's fourth goal was a training ground routine that featured no less than three headers in the box, including Stones' final nod home.

And then there is Harry Kane, with a hattrick against Panama and five goals in the tournament. What could be more English than a big number nine? The 'Roy of the Rovers' comic book hero, leading the line and getting the glory.

What is new about Southgate's system is the role of the floating forwards - Jesse Lingard, Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, operating behind Kane, an approach well-used by Pep Guardiola's Manchester City this season.

Of course, the Premier League itself is a fusion of styles and influences drawn from across Europe and around the world, and Southgate, a regular spectator at games across the country, has drawn on many of them.

"It's a privilege really to watch those games and watch the different formations and systems against a different system. The season has been a great contrast of styles and philosophies," he said.