World Cup 2026: Thomas Tuchel's England tactics v Gareth Southgate's
England flourished against Croatia because Zlatko Dalic's side took the bait and pressed from the front. In attempting to do so, their pressing unit was outnumbered and outplayed. As Elliot Anderson and Kane dropped deep, England's defenders found them with ease. They then played in a direct manne
By Umir Irfan
England flourished against Croatia because Zlatko Dalic's side took the bait and pressed from the front. In attempting to do so, their pressing unit was outnumbered and outplayed.
As Elliot Anderson and Kane dropped deep, England's defenders found them with ease. They then played in a direct manner into their runners, who had space against isolated Croatia defenders.
Trends from club level have carried into international football, with more teams defending in a front-foot manner.
It is not uncommon to see higher defensive lines and man-to-man pressure, with teams preferring not to give high-level opposition the majority of the ball close to their goal for 90 minutes.
This England squad is built to exploit that trend.
As the 13th-ranked nation in the world, there might also have been an element of pride for Croatia. Setting up in a deep block is not what such a big team's players or fans expect.
Even if a more pragmatic gameplan would benefit some of the 'stronger' nations, the message using that tactic sends out might well deter a country like Croatia from using it.