I saw midfielders forced back because of circumstances on occasion not a tactical reorganization. There were still 3 forwards playing high up the field unless covering for another player or after long periods of French possession forced the wingers back. Regardless how they might at any moment be aligned, defending with 7 players for the most part is not locking it down, which 2-0 up after 80 minutes is what they should have been doing IMO.
I’m not talking about someone covering for Dunn when she goes forward. Of course they should be doing that. I’m saying whoever is predominately on the left of midfield can be instructed to play more conservatively and always be looking to get to her aid. If this is a point of tactical emphasis the rest of the midfield can adjust accordingly and the right winger can drop into midfield when that is happening to help keep their shape. Also Rapinoe could do a lot more tracking back. These things would all take pressure off of Dunn to defend so much, which she obviously struggles with against quality opposition. England’s right side is very strong and defending the way they did against France is flirting with disaster IMO.
Also, as in other games there were often huge gaps between the defense, midfield, and forwards, which in no way lends itself to compact quality defending as a unit.
