Manager Thomas Tuchel is confident England can overcome their goal drought.
You might not think England would have a problem, boasting one of the most lethal strikers in history. Harry Kane is currently in the top 10 all-time international goalscorers and is also England’s record scorer with 79 goals in 113 caps.
Incredibly, however, Kane has scored 12 more goals than the rest of the squad combined, which must be a big concern for Tuchel. None of England’s other forwards have scored enough goals to back up Kane’s numbers, but this highlights the fundamental problem of the Three Lions being too reliant on Captain Marvel.
Kane finished the season with Bayern Munich with 61 goals in all competitions and said he feels his life is in shape. The problem when you’re that good and prolific is that it probably makes others look bad – and that raises major concerns about how they’ll cope without him.
Tuchel admitted it was a concern after England’s win over New Zealand. When asked about the rest of the squad and their numbers, Tuchel replied: “Career numbers? Yes, I know.”
Ollie Watkins has scored six goals in 21 caps. Ivan Toney has just one of his eight caps. Marcus Rashford has scored at least 18 goals in 71 caps, just over one every four games.
Bukayo Saka has scored 14 goals in his 38 caps, but in reality he hasn’t quite reached that number. We showed that in the match against New Zealand. And imagine what happens when England play a higher quality opponent.
England manager Tuchel admitted the finish was simply not good enough, and insisted he understood the concerns but was not worried. And lo and behold, Tuchel is determined to improve England’s set-piece threat in the week leading up to England’s first group game against Croatia on June 17th.
Kane was England’s only scorer against New Zealand in Tampa (Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
“We had some chances against New Zealand, pretty good chances, but after a little rest and just four days of training, we lacked the quality of finishing,” Tuchel said.
“I understand your concerns. I’m not worried. We’re strong on set pieces and if we open up a bit more space against teams that actually want to beat us, we’ll do well.”
There are two things there. Tuchel clearly believes England can gain more space against teams that don’t sit deep and defend in low blocks.
We will also step up and utilize set-piece training. That’s why Tuchel is angry that FIFA singled out England in a showreel for referees about grappling in the penalty box.
Thomas Tuchel and England to focus on set-pieces in training this week
Referees have been given an example of what they need to be tough on at this World Cup, highlighting Adam Wharton’s block in the corner before Ben White scored in a friendly against Uruguay at Wembley in March.
Set-piece goals have become a very common theme in the Premier League, and Tuchel has already admitted he is ready to follow suit at this World Cup, adding the likes of 6ft 7in defender Dan Byrne to his side in a close game where they struggle to score.
But FIFA is determined not to allow this to become a set-piece World Cup, which could see one main weapon removed from England’s arsenal. They absolutely have to find a way, but the reality is they haven’t had too many sessions on set pieces so far.
England will put particular emphasis on that this week, both on the training pitch and in Wednesday’s friendly against Costa Rica in Orlando. The team will also play a behind-closed-doors friendly against Miami United the following day, giving players extra time and working on set-pieces if needed.
Despite having the most prolific striker in the country’s history, this England team clearly has concerns when it comes to goals.
England attacking players – caps and goals
Harry Kane – 113 caps, 79 goals
Ollie Watkins – 21 caps, 6 goals
Ivan Toni – 8 caps, 1 goal
Marcus Rashford – 71 caps, 18 goals
Anthony Gordon – 18 caps, 2 goals
Bukayo Saka – 48 caps, 14 goals
Noni Maduke – 10 caps, 1 goal
Morgan Rogers – 14 caps, 1 goal
Jude Bellingham – 47 caps, 6 goals
Eberechi Eze – 16 caps, 3 goals
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