21:15:00
Finishing behind Wales in Group B was a huge disappointment, not least because it put England on the more difficult side of an extremely lopsided draw. But England's approach against both Russia and Slovakia, 1-1 and 0-0 draws, respectively, was perfectly logical.
Overall, England's play has been excellent. They've barely conceded a genuine chance in their three matches so far, conceding only to an excellent Vasili Berezutski header and a long-range, swerving Gareth Bale free-kick. At the other end, they've often been guilty of not creating enough compared to their share of possession, although against Slovakia it was surprising to see Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge fail to convert excellent opportunities, with Dele Alli having a shot cleared off the line.
By the end of that game, England were playing against a side using no fewer than seven recognised defenders, and were always likely to struggle for space in the final third. There wasn't too much more England could do, aside from simply being more clinical.
"We have controlled our group games but I am just unhappy the dominance hasn't led to goals," Hodgson said. "Obviously we have to be better in that area because if we don't score goals, we won't continue in the competition. You don't get prizes for possession. You don't get prizes for the most corners. You don't get prizes for having the best of the play. You get prizes if you win, so we had better start making sure we convert our goal-scoring chances."
It's an entirely fair analysis. Realistically, there's been little more England could have done tactically against their three group stage opponents, and for all the criticism of Hodgson and his tactics, it's also the responsibility of his attackers to provide moments of magic and create goals out of nothing. There's no point focusing on the lack of clear-cut chances when it's evident that this is a tournament unquestionably low on clear-cut chances.
Indeed, there's a frustration among fans, coaching staff and players that England are facing four consecutive sides playing defensive-minded football, refusing to concede space in behind against an England side that appears best-suited to quick, direct attacking football. But this is simply how football works when you're one of the favourites, as England are, and also typical of an international tournament where few sides have genuinely attempted to outplay the opposition.
There have only been five sides playing genuinely positive football here: Spain, Germany, France, England and Croatia. Almost every side has defended deep and made little attempt to dominate possession. The best game in terms of technical quality and entertainment was the only meeting between two of these sides, Spain and Croatia in the final group game.
Croatia's 2-1 victory came as something of a surprise, but it was a deserved reward for the only example in this competition of an underdog backing themselves to win in an open game. Their late defeat to Portugal was a disappointment, but the nature of their performance -- cautious and defensive-minded -- was even more of a tragedy. This is developing into one of the most cagey tournaments in recent football history.
There has been little room to manoeuvre for Wayne Rooney and England thus far at Euro 2016.
There's a problem with the idea that England will be better against more attack-minded opposition: the only attack-minded opponents they'll face will be superior sides. England's midfield lacks compactness and defensive discipline, forcing Eric Dier to cover a significant amount of ground, which is perfectly acceptable against minnows, but not against Germany or Spain. France would be a closer game, but Didier Deschamps's side would have the edge.
The England defence, too, has also barely been tested at this tournament and was widely considered the side's weak link coming into the competition. Again, top-class opponents would be more likely to punish deficiencies in this respect.
There's also another major concern. There has only been one period during this competition when the opponents have been compelled to attack England: the 17 minutes against Russia between Dier's free-kick opener and Berezutski's late header. In that period, England showed very little counter-attacking ability and Hodgson failed to introduce attackers, particularly Vardy, who could thrive in that situation. This should have been England's perfect scenario; instead, it produced their worst spell of football this tournament, and the only period of play for which they and Hodgson deserve real criticism.
Maybe, in fact, England are suited to games exactly like the ones they've faced so far -- they just haven't provided the finishing touches.
Iceland, meanwhile, will be yet another test against an extremely deep backline. However, despite their impressive run to the knockout stage, and their defensive football, they're not particularly solid defensively.
Iceland have continually been opened up down the flanks, particularly in the left-back zone, as the full-backs can be dragged out of position too far away from the centre-backs. England must look to exploit this weakness whenever possible, particularly by creating overloads in wider positions before playing cut-backs. Kyle Walker has probably been England's best performer so far, and his rampaging runs down the right should be crucial in unlocking Iceland's backline.
England must be wary of playing through the centre, as this is a zone Iceland patrol reasonably well. The flanks is the key to this game, and while the midfield distribution of Wayne Rooney has been somewhat unspectacular, simply playing sideways passes out towards the full-backs, it should ensure England's attacks flow in the right direction. Alli will need to provide quick runs in behind the opposition defence to ensure England have forward passing options.
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