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Tuchel: England Tried Spain-Style Control, Then Struggled

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 10:21 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Tuchel: England Imitates Spain

Thomas Tuchel said England tried playing like Spain for ten minutes to dominate possession.
He hoped the brief Spanish-style spell would help England control the game under pressure.
Tuchel noted English fans and players usually prefer chaotic direct tactics over measured midfield buildup.
He said England lacks a heritage of controlling the middle line and deep buildup play.

Summary

Scotland Stuns Spain

Scotland beat Spain 2-0 in a Euro qualifier at Hampden Park in March 2023.
Scott McTominay scored both goals, the second after García failed to clear a Tierney cross.
Spain midfielder Rodri said, “For me, this is not football,” condemning Scotland’s combative, time-wasting style.
Analysts said Scotland’s physical, defensive tactics neutralised Spain’s possession-based game.

Summary

Spain Limits Aerials

Spain’s keeper Unai Simón and centre-back Aymeric Laporte each contested fewer than four aerial duels per 90 minutes.
In the summer tournament, Spain allowed only six shots with xG >= 0.1 over 750 minutes.
Spain permitted just ten shots with xG >= 0.07, all of which were headed goals from wide-area crosses.
Pau Cubarsí’s Barcelona conceded the second-fewest crosses per game among 96 clubs in Europe’s top five leagues.

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Tuchel: England Imitates Spain

Thomas Tuchel said England tried playing like Spain for ten minutes to dominate possession.
He hoped the brief Spanish-style spell would help England control the game under pressure.
Tuchel noted English fans and players usually prefer chaotic direct tactics over measured midfield buildup.
He said England lacks a heritage of controlling the middle line and deep buildup play.

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