England's dramatic 2-1 World Cup win over the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sparked memories of the glorious past, as manager Thomas Tuchel seems to have channelled the spirit of Alf Ramsey's 1966 winning side. The Three Lions attempted a staggering 35 open-play crosses in Atlanta, a feat not seen in a World Cup match for six decades and a testament to the influence of that iconic era.
The victory itself was a landmark moment – England had come from behind to win just once before in 60 years of World Cup history. Ramsey's team achieved this feat in the very same competition, when they overcame West Germany in the final. Yet, Tuchel's men showed remarkable character and resilience, defying odds that suggested they'd lose seven times out of eight when conceding first in the tournament.
While crossing can sometimes be a shot in the dark – Premier League data shows that only one in four crosses even reach a teammate, with just 1.4% directly resulting in assists over the last 17 seasons – it's proving to be Tuchel's trump card this summer. Anthony Gordon's pinpoint cross gave Harry Kane the chance to level the scores against the DRC, and Jude Bellingham replicated the trick for Kane's second goal against Panama. The width and delivery have become a crucial part of England's attacking arsenal.
Opta statistics paint an even more compelling picture: England have created 20 'big chances' – the highest total in the tournament – with six originating from open-play crosses, outscoring any other method. Adding corners to the mix, almost half of their top opportunities have come from wide areas.
The emphasis on crossing is a deliberate ploy to unlock stubborn defences, as seen in the goalless draw against Ghana. England's struggles in this department prompted Tuchel to dig deep into his tactical toolbox and rediscover an 'old-school' approach that proved so effective back in 1966. It provides an alternative route to goal when facing teams that pack their boxes, a common phenomenon in major tournaments.
As the tournament reaches its business end, it's anyone's guess how England will adapt against more open opponents who might nullify their crossing threat. But for now, Tuchel's bold decision to revive this tried-and-tested tactic has sparked excitement and hope among Three Lions fans everywhere.
Source: The Guardian, Opta