How Good Is Tuchel's England?

Thomas Tuchel, the new head coach of the England national football team, has implemented a bold tactical approach, leading to impressive victories, including a recent 5-0 thrashing of Serbia. With the World Cup approaching, Tuchel's focus is on refining his best eleven and solidifying his strategies. This article explores what Tuchel's early tenure reveals about England's strengths and weaknesses as they gear up for the tournament.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from Tuchel's Tenure So Far

• England have won all five World Cup qualifiers without conceding a goal.
• Tuchel emphasises direct attacking play and off-the-ball movement.
• Players are selected based on tactical fit rather than reputation.
• The team has shown flexibility in tactical formations during matches.
• England's defensive structure requires further refinement.

Tuchel’s Tactical Framework

Since taking over, Tuchel has generally deployed a 4-4-1-1 formation, allowing for versatility in build-up play. England's shape has evolved, shifting from a traditional defensive setup to dynamic formations like 2-3-5 or even 2-1-7 during matches. This adaptability is critical, especially as they face varied opposition in the run-up to the World Cup.

Building from the Back

In the 2-3-5 formation, one full-back supports the centre-backs, creating an extra passing option to navigate through opposition presses. This triangular structure aids in maintaining possession while also providing defensive stability. Against Serbia, the central defenders, Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa, along with midfielder Elliot Anderson, were pivotal in initiating plays from the back.

Tuchel's tactical philosophy encourages players to fluidly change positions, which was evident when Declan Rice and the full-backs frequently interchanged roles throughout the match. This fluidity not only confuses the opposition but also allows England to maintain attacking momentum.

Exploiting Width and Overloads

Against Serbia, Reece James and Noni Madueke's positioning on the flanks was particularly effective. By stretching the play wide, Tuchel forced Serbia to commit more players to the wings, thereby creating gaps in their midfield. This ‘double width’ approach allows England to exploit centrally compact teams effectively.

When defenders are pulled wide, players like Harry Kane can drop deep, dragging defenders with him and creating space for the wingers to exploit. The synergy between Kane and his supporting players, including Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers, has the potential to stretch defences and create scoring opportunities.

Direct Play and Risk-Taking

Tuchel has encouraged a more direct style of play, contrasting sharply with the previous conservative tactics employed by Gareth Southgate. England's strategy under Tuchel favours riskier, longer passes aimed at quickly transitioning from defence to attack. This change in philosophy signifies an eagerness to exploit the attacking potential of their players.

Wingers with Freedom

Tuchel's approach grants significant responsibility to wingers, allowing them to engage in one-on-one situations with opposing defenders. This is crucial for creating high-quality chances. The confidence displayed by Madueke during the match against Serbia highlights this new dynamic; he provided the attacking flair that England has sorely missed.

Selection Based on Fit

Tuchel's player selection has also been noteworthy. He appears to prioritise tactical fit over established names, as seen with the inclusion of Anderson and Madueke. This strategy helps cultivate a team that not only understands Tuchel's system but can also execute it effectively, maximising their strengths and compensating for weaknesses.

The Importance of Set-Pieces

Set-pieces are becoming a significant part of Tuchel's tactical arsenal. In the recent match against Serbia, England's corner strategy showcased their ability to create goals from these situations. The opening goal stemmed from a well-rehearsed corner routine that caught the Serbian defence off guard.

With England often dominating possession, scoring the first goal is vital in forcing opposition teams to change their approach, creating more space for attacking opportunities. Tuchel's focus on set-pieces, including long throws and clever free-kick routines, could prove to be a game-changer in tight matches.

Defensive Structure and Vulnerabilities

While England have excelled in attack, their defensive tactics warrant closer scrutiny. When losing possession, the team has aimed to press high, but this strategy has shown cracks, especially against teams that can maintain possession, like Senegal. The vulnerability of England’s defence was exposed during the 3-1 defeat, where their defensive line was often bypassed.

During that match, England's high press was ineffective, allowing Senegal to exploit spaces left open, particularly around Kane, who struggled defensively. A more compact defensive approach may be necessary, especially against technically proficient teams in the World Cup.

Building Towards the World Cup

As Tuchel continues to refine his tactics, he faces the challenge of integrating key players returning from injury. The balance between maintaining his tactical principles and accommodating star players will be crucial as the World Cup approaches. The early signs suggest that with a cohesive strategy, England can harness their attacking talent while improving their defensive solidity.

Conclusion

With a mix of tactical innovation, player selection, and a willingness to take risks, Thomas Tuchel is positioning England for success ahead of the World Cup. The challenges remain—particularly in defence—but the potential for a formidable team is evident. If Tuchel can continue to integrate key players and solidify his tactics, England could make a significant impact come tournament time.

FAQs

What formation has Tuchel primarily used for England?

Tuchel has primarily deployed a 4-4-1-1 formation, allowing for flexibility in tactical setups during matches.

How has Tuchel changed England's attacking style?

Tuchel has encouraged a more direct and risk-taking approach, focusing on off-the-ball runs and exploiting wide areas to create scoring opportunities.

What role do set-pieces play in Tuchel's tactics?

Set-pieces are a key component of Tuchel's strategy, providing opportunities to score and break down stubborn defences through well-rehearsed routines.

What are the defensive vulnerabilities of England under Tuchel?

England has shown vulnerabilities when teams maintain possession, particularly in high-press situations, leading to gaps in their defensive structure.

How important is player selection in Tuchel's England squad?

Tuchel prioritises selecting players based on tactical fit rather than reputation, which helps create a cohesive team that can execute his strategies effectively.