By England manager Thomas Tuchel says he will explore how his team can use long throws, long balls, and crosses to gain an advantage.
England sit atop their World Cup qualifying group, but performances so far under Tuchel have been underwhelming. The head coach says he will examine all attacking options to help the Three Lions succeed in North America next summer.
“I told you – the long throw-in is back, but we do not have a lot of time,” he said.
Thomas Tuchel, England Boss
“All these things matter, so we will also talk about long throw-ins, we will talk about long kicks from the goalkeeper, and not only playing short. I need to reflect now with my assistant coaches. All these patterns are back and crosses are back as well.”
Meanwhile, The Football Association of Serbia (FSS) has appealed to its supporters attending Tuesday’s match against England to avoid any behavior that could lead to further sanctions from FIFA, after they were fined almost £50,000 in June for “discrimination and racist abuse”.
In an open letter to supporters, the FSS has asked those attending the game against Thomas Tuchel’s side to “send out an image to the world that will make us all proud” in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Belgrade.
FIFA has also reduced stadium capacity by 15% for the match at Rajko Mitic Stadium, meaning 8,100 fewer Serbian fans will be admitted. The sanction follows discriminatory behaviour by supporters during the June match against Andorra. FIFA cited fans for using gestures, words, objects, or other means deemed inappropriate for a sports event.
Fans gather ahead of the Serbia vs. England match in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, June 16, 2024.
The Serbian FA expressed concern that further incidents could force future matches to be played behind closed doors, with the upcoming qualifier against Albania in October at greatest risk. Troubles during Albania’s home game against Serbia in June led to a £150,000 fine for the Albanian FA and a 20% capacity reduction for their next international fixture.
Despite the reduced capacity, over 40,000 home supporters are expected to attend the game against England. It will be the first time the Three Lions have played in Serbia since the country gained independence from Montenegro in 2006. “Our players will need strong support from the stands in that match,” the Serbian FA letter said. “The long queues from day one of ticket sales show that the Eagles will have their 12th player.
“Due to all the stated reasons, and above all, because the Football Association of Serbia is under UEFA and FIFA scrutiny, as well as the history of various incidents that have made us subject to UEFA and FIFA disciplinary measures – we appeal to supporters to send out an image to the world that will make us all proud.”
