Tuchel to revive old-school tactics as England struggle

Thomas Tuchel is preparing England to get physical, as he said more aerial play such as long throws will be a part of their armoury as they try to get ready for the World Cup.

- MIGUEL DELANEY

Tomorrow brings a difficult trip away to Serbia, with the German’s side having beaten Andorra 2-0 at Villa Park through two vintage crosses on Saturday.

Tuchel has spoken a lot of late about how old-fashioned qualities are coming back, and said such an approach was part of it. It may be just as suited to Serbia, since the manager said he expects to “face the same formation, the defensive block of 5-4-1, with individual quality up front with tall, physical strikers”.

“All these patterns are back, and crosses are back as well,” Tuchel said. “The long throw-in is back, as well, but we have not a lot of time.

“But once we arrive at the World Cup, 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.