England throws caution to the wind under Tuchel, becoming a World Cup favorite: 'Rock and roll has returned'

Football analyst Tuukka Kotimäki is enthusiastic about England's new tactical direction, describing their performance against Croatia as a return to "rock and roll" football. He believes coach Thomas Tuchel has injected a much-needed dose of energy and aggression into the team, a stark contrast to the more cautious approach under his predecessor, Gareth Southgate.

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Tuchel has brought rock and roll back. He has said in interviews that intensity and speed are important. The Croatia game showed that these were not empty words.

Kotimäki highlighted the significant difference between Southgate's "safety football," which prioritized risk avoidance and defensive solidity, and Tuchel's philosophy. "Tuchel has brought rock and roll back," Kotimäki stated, noting the coach's emphasis on intensity and speed, which were evident in England's dominant second-half display against Croatia. The analyst observed that England's relentless attacking pressure overwhelmed the Croatian team, who struggled to keep pace.

This shift in strategy, according to Kotimäki, is not a one-off tactic but a fundamental principle of Tuchel's coaching. England's aggressive play, characterized by constant forward movement and high pressing when without the ball, aims to be consistently dangerous. This approach challenges the traditional view that success in major tournaments relies on conservative play and capitalizing on small margins.

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Southgate's game was based on avoiding risks. Even with the ball, they thought about what would happen if the opponent took possession. There were many players under the ball. Solutions in attack were often cautious or at least safe.

Kotimäki also pointed to Tuchel's astute player selections, which he believes are tailored to fit this high-octane system. He cited the effectiveness of wide forwards like Noni Madueke, whose direct running threat was crucial, and the dynamic interplay between striker Harry Kane dropping deep and midfielders like Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. The analyst concluded that Tuchel prioritized players who best suited his game plan, leading to England's impressive performance and positioning them as strong contenders.

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From the dressing room, a huge whirlwind came onto the field after the break. England shifted into such a high gear that Croatia simply couldn't keep up with the pace.