By England boss Thomas Tuchel says he will look at how his team can use long throws, long balls and crosses to give them an edge.
Thomas Tuchel, England Boss
England are top of their World Cup qualifying group but there have been underwhelming performances so far under Tuchel, However, the head coach says he will be look at all avenues of attack to help the Three Lions towards success 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.
“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 behaviour that could lead to further sanction 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.
8,100 fewer Serbian fans will be allowed inside the Rajko Mitic Stadium for the match, after FIFA imposed a reduction in the capacity by 15% as further punishment for the behaviour of supporters during their game against Andorra in June. As well as the discriminatory behaviour, the world governing body deemed fans had “used gestures, words, objects or any means to transmit a message that is not appropriate for a sports event.”
The Serbian FA has real concerns that, if there are further incidents, they could be forced to play future matches behind closed doors, with their upcoming qualifier against rivals Albania in October at greatest risk. Trouble during Albania’s home game against Serbia, also in June, led to FIFA fining the Albanian FA the equivalent of £150,000 and imposing a 20% capacity reduction for their next international.
There is a huge appetite in Belgrade for the game with England, with over 40,000 home supporters expected to attend despite the reduced capacity. It is the first time since the country gained independence from Montenegro in 2006 that the Three Lions have played there. “Our players will need strong support from the stands in that match,” the Serbian FA letter continued. “And the long queues from day one of ticket sales show that the Eagles will have their 12th player.
“Due to all the stated, 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.”
