An analysis of Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach as England manager, examining his formations, player utilization, attacking strategies, and set-piece pragmatism. Despite a strong foundation, questions remain about England’s defensive capabilities against top teams as they head into the World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel's appointment as England manager has sparked considerable interest and speculation. With the World Cup looming, the pressure is on Tuchel to quickly mold a cohesive and effective team. After only six games in charge, the most recent being Tuesday's emphatic 5-0 victory over Serbia, questions abound about his tactical approach and the team's overall preparedness. This analysis delves into Tuchel's strategies, player utilization, and the potential impact on England's World Cup campaign.
England's journey under Tuchel has been largely positive, securing victories in all five World Cup qualifiers without conceding a single goal. However, a friendly defeat against Senegal (3-1) served as a stark reminder of potential vulnerabilities. Despite the impressive record, pre-Serbia sentiment among fans was mixed. Doubts were cast on whether England possessed the dominant flair expected of a team with their resources. The commanding performance against Serbia has done much to alleviate some of that concern.
Throughout his tenure, Tuchel has maintained a consistent tactical philosophy, refining it with each game. The core tactical principles are becoming increasingly clear. But do these approaches truly set England up for success on the world's biggest stage?
Tuchel's Formational Flexibility
Under Tuchel, England has primarily adopted a 4-4-1-1 formation. However, the team's shape during build-up play demonstrates significant tactical flexibility, transitioning between formations such as 2-3-5, 3-2-5, and even a highly attacking 2-1-7, as showcased in the Serbia match. The full-backs play a pivotal role in these dynamic shifts.
The 3-2-5 formation involves one full-back joining the two centre-backs, creating a three-man defensive line. This adjustment is designed to facilitate build-up play against aggressive opposition presses, providing additional passing options and a more secure foundation. When England shifts to a 2-3-5, both full-backs typically position themselves alongside a defensive midfielder. This allows the second central midfielder, often Morgan Rogers or Curtis Jones, to push further upfield, adding attacking impetus while ensuring central defensive stability.
The game against Serbia showcased a more aggressive build-up strategy. Central defenders Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa, along with midfielder Elliot Anderson, took primary responsibility for initiating play. This trio worked to dominate the build-up, whilst full-backs and Declan Rice rotated positions to create passing lanes and disrupt the Serbian defensive structure.
Unlocking Harry Kane
Tuchel is also trying to get the best out of Harry Kane. In addition to these structured formations, England utilizes a strategy where key players drop deep to collect the ball, drawing opposition defenders out of position. Attacking midfielder and striker Harry Kane frequently drops deep, mirroring tactics used under Gareth Southgate.
This movement creates space for other players to exploit, especially those making runs from deep positions. Full-backs like Myles Lewis-Skelly have effectively capitalized on these openings. In the Serbia game, Kane often drifted into central midfield, allowing players such as Madueke, Anthony Gordon, and Rogers to surge into the vacated spaces from wider positions.
Tuchel has emphasized the importance of off-the-ball movement, encouraging players to make runs in behind the defence. This stretches the opposition's back line, creates opportunities for teammates, and provides chances to receive through balls in scoring positions. This multifaceted approach aims to maximize England's attacking potential.
Embracing Risk and Individual Brilliance
Tuchel is prepared to take calculated risks, fostering a more attacking and direct style of play. This approach involves a greater emphasis on direct passes from deeper positions, seeking to quickly release attackers and create high-scoring opportunities. Unlike previous regimes, where England often prioritized safe, possession-based play, Tuchel's side is encouraged to take risks and exploit openings with incisive passes.
Wingers are given considerable freedom and responsibility, often finding themselves in one-on-one situations against opposing full-backs. Tuchel expects these players to leverage their individual skills and creativity to produce moments of brilliance. Noni Madueke, in particular, has impressed with his confidence and direct attacking style, injecting a spark that England has missed since Raheem Sterling's decline in form.
Breaking the 'Golden Generation' Curse
England has historically struggled to integrate its wealth of talent into a harmonious and effective starting eleven. Managers have often attempted to shoehorn star players into the same line-up, frequently to the team's detriment. Tuchel appears to be addressing this issue by selecting players who are best suited to his tactical system, placing them in their optimal positions.
The selections of Anderson and Madueke over more established names signal a positive shift in approach. Tuchel prioritizes players who complement his tactics, both in terms of their on-field roles and their playing style. Players selected have the tendency to run in behind. Rogers offers an eye for goal and the stamina to compensate for Kane's relative lack of pace. The players supporting the Bayern Munich striker are well-suited to exploit his passing abilities.
Tuchel is also leveraging existing relationships between players from the same club. By pairing Livramento with Newcastle team-mate Gordon on the left wing, and James and Madueke (ex-Chelsea teammates) on the right, he aims to create a more cohesive and fluid attacking unit. This approach capitalizes on pre-existing understanding and chemistry, reducing the time needed to develop on-field partnerships.
Set-Piece Pragmatism
While Tuchel emphasizes attacking football and individual flair, he also recognizes the importance of pragmatic solutions, particularly set-pieces. Notably, long throws are staging a comeback. These can disrupt deep-lying defenses and create goal-scoring opportunities.
The use of throw-in situations as set-pieces provide teams with an additional chance to initially break that deadlock and require the appropriate attention. The opening goal against Serbia completely changed the direction of the game and from a well-worked corner. Serbia set up to defend the corner in a zonal fashion, staying in specific zones.
Clever free-kicks and corner routines are key too, and it is clear Tuchel and his backroom staff have made this central to their system. Following Rice's out-swinging cross, Serbia's defenders were drawn to the ball but the positioning of England's players in front of the Serbians meant they could stand in the way, blocking them from getting to the ball. Kane lingered deeper and was able to score, uncontested.
It was calculated, deliberate and effective with England trying the same routine earlier in the game prior to the goal.
Defensive Questions Remain
England's defensive tactics under Tuchel remain somewhat of an unknown quantity, largely due to the team's dominance in recent matches. England has generally controlled possession and implemented an aggressive counter-pressing strategy to prevent opponents from launching attacks. The performances of Guehi and Rice has been important here.
However, the friendly against Senegal exposed some vulnerabilities. England's 4-4-2 formation was initially bypassed by Senegal's patient build-up play, particularly on Kane's side. Kane, while impressive in possession, struggled to effectively press or contest defenders, creating opportunities for Senegal to exploit. Also, England's defensive shape wasn't very deep and they aimed to block space closer to the middle of the pitch.
Looking ahead, England's defensive approach may be tested by more technically gifted sides. If England's defensive structure remains unchanged, opponents may seek to exploit the space behind the high defensive line with quick, direct attacks. As such, Tuchel must remain wary of these potential weaknesses.
Final Verdict
Tuchel's England possesses a strong foundation, characterized by tactical flexibility, attacking intent, and a willingness to take risks. He has effectively integrated a diverse range of players, demonstrating a keen understanding of balance and chemistry within the squad. With the World Cup approaching, if Tuchel can successfully reintegrate key players while maintaining the principles outlined above, England has the potential to make a significant impact on the tournament. However, questions remain about England's ability to defend against sustained pressure from top-tier opponents. This will likely prove to be the ultimate test for Tuchel's England.