Thomas Tuchel plans to hone in on set-pieces and believes they will make the difference in the knock-out stages of the World Cup.
Corners, free-kicks and throw-ins will be central to the England manager’s attacking strategy at the tournament, with dead-ball situations coming to the fore in the Premier League this season.
While England will look to threaten from open play, Tuchel also has set-piece specialists in a squad who are preparing for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan over the next week.
“We are in a very physical era of the game in the Premier League and an era where set-pieces, free-kicks, corners and throw-ins are very highly rated,” said Tuchel. “That’s just the reality of it. It is part of the match in the Premier League maybe more than in other leagues.
“It is not the main part of our approach. But it has to be a part of it, especially in knock-out football. We need to come up with a good plan how to defend and how to attack set-plays and make it an advantage.”
Declan Rice is a free-kick and corner specialist for Arsenal, while Reece James has also scored from set-pieces during Tuchel’s time in charge. The returning Harry Maguire will provide height, as will Newcastle’s Dan Burn.
“In these last games before the World Cup this has to be in our thoughts,’ added Tuchel. “How to change matches, how to influence matches, how to open up a match. It’s just the way it is.”
Tuchel oversaw a training session at St George’s Park on Tuesday after players arrived for the friendly double-header. Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer trained with the squad, with 24 players on the pitches at the national football centre.
James Garner also trained after his call-up to reward his excellent season with Everton. “Since I signed for Everton I’ve had quite unlucky spells with two serious back injuries so that obviously put me out for a long time,” said Garner.
“Then the first three years we’ve been fighting near the relegation zone so it’s been quite tough for me to really showcase what I can do.
“I just thought to myself this season is a fresh season, with a new manager, a new stadium, and with a year left on my contract as well I knew I had to show everybody what I’m really about and showcase all my talents.
“I’m glad this season is going as well as it is.”