The 2023 World Cup semi-finals are shaping up to be a Premier League powerhouse, but scratch beneath the surface and it's a different story altogether. While English top-flight clubs have dominated defensive proceedings, their ability to retain or attract elite attacking forces is another matter entirely.
England's squad, boasting an astonishing 21 Premier League players, including Anthony Gordon who made the surprise move from Newcastle to Barcelona, presents a stark contrast when it comes to attackers. With Marcus Rashford on loan at the Nou Camp, the majority of these talented individuals are found in defensive positions, leaving questions about the league's ability to hold onto its top talent.
The Premier League's defence is undoubtedly strong, with Argentina's Cristian Romero and Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez leading the charge, alongside Arsenal's William Saliba and Aston Villa's Lucas Digne in France's squad. Spain's Chelsea duo Marc Cucurella and Tottenham's Pedro Porro also make an impact, while England's entire starting outfield back six and goalkeeper from their quarter-final win over Norway all cut their teeth in the Premier League last season.
However, as we shift our gaze to the attacking third of the pitch, the landscape changes dramatically. France's feared front three, featuring Paris St-Germain's Desire Doue and Kylian Mbappe, who swapped Barcelona for Real Madrid, prove that the world's top clubs still look elsewhere for their goalscoring firepower.
Spain's attacking quartet against Belgium boasted Atletico Madrid's Alex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal from Real Sociedad, and Lamine Yamal of Barcelona – a stark contrast to England's reliance on Noni Madueke or Bukayo Saka. The English squad has scored 13 goals in the tournament so far, with none coming from players who featured in the Premier League last season. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) and Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) have six each, while Marcus Rashford contributes a solitary strike.