Talking Tactics: Hungary are Lion in wait to pile the misery on England

For the first time since suffering shootout heartbreak at the hands of Italy in the Euro 2020 final, England return to action tonight. 

Gareth Southgate takes his side to Budapest for a top-of-the-table World Cup qualifying clash with Hungary. 

The Three Lions currently lead Group I and they will be looking to extend their 100% record to four matches. 

Hungary are also unbeaten but their draw against Poland sees them sitting two points behind the visitors going into this evening's clash.

Dark horses

Marco Rossi’s men may have crashed out of the European Championship at the group stage with two points from three matches but they should not be overlooked. 

The Magyars held Portugal for 84 minutes in their opening game, only for three late goals to change the narrative of the match. 

They then drew with France and Germany — leading in both of the encounters before succumbing to late strikes. 

Furthermore, they are the top scorers in Group I, netting 10 times in their three outings to date.

Southgate knows England must not take this fixture lightly.

He said: "The team has gained confidence from what they achieved and the progress they've made.

"But equally we have to start again. The journey to having the chance of another run like that in a tournament is under way. 

"Mentally it's a good test for us. Away from home, 60,000 fans and a very good team we're playing against. We have got to be at our very best."

The return of the star man

Hungary's star midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai missed Euro 2020 due to injury. 

The 20-year-old moved from Red Bull Salzburg to RB Leipzig in January. 

But due to a long stint on the sidelines, he did not make his full debut for the club until Matchday 2 of the 2021-22 Bundesliga campaign.

He scored two thunderous efforts from distance as Die Roten Bullen romped to a 4-0 win over Stuttgart in that game.

Szoboszlai — linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs before the switch to Germany — is the face of this Hungary side. 

With him back in it, they will fancy their chances against anybody.

Big decision up front for Southgate

Harry Kane returned late to pre-season following his exploits at the Euros and his first start in the Premier League came last weekend in Tottenham's win over Watford. 

Is he really in a position to be starting four matches in the space of 10 days? 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin dropped out of the squad for treatment on a broken toe and a thigh strain, meaning Southgate has limited options up front. 

The only other out-and-out striker at his disposal is the uncapped Patrick Bamford. 

Either the Leeds forward will get the nod or the England boss will use this situation as an opportunity to try something different with his frontmen.

Long-term impact

Form plays a part in Southgate’s thinking but he also seems to value performances in qualifiers. 

When asked why Danny Ings and Bamford missed out on his Euro 2020 squad, the England manager explained his reasoning. 

He said: "There is, of course, Danny and Patrick, who have had very good seasons, and I've said that before but we didn't see any reason to change these positions from the players who did very well with us in the three qualifiers we won in March."

Impress when given an opportunity and any player could force their way into Southgate's long-term plans.

The right-back conundrum

After picking up an injury in the pre-tournament friendlies, Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in the England squad having missed the Euros. 

The Liverpool defender is one of the best right-backs in the world and there is a clamour for him to be in the team.

But he is not the best fit for Southgate’s tactical system and trying something different in knockout football is not the wisest decision. 

This month’s World Cup qualifiers give the Three Lions boss an opportunity to do so  — and this could be shaped around the flying full-back. 

Only Adama Traore (25) has been involved in more shot-creating actions in the Premier League this season than Alexander-Arnold (21), so fitting him in will add a significant attacking threat.