England DNA to come to the fore?

The announcement of the England 26-man provisional squad for European Championships has generated plenty of discussion. Who will go? Which three will be dropped? Who was unfortunate to not make the squad? And that will only continue and increase as the build up to the tournament progresses.

Reading through the list, I am enthused. Since the disastrous World Cup campaign just two years before the squad has really improved. We appear to finally have a squad of players with high levels of technical ability and the tactical awareness to play in different systems of play.

Dan Ashworth - director of elite development

"England teams will play with tactical flexibility, influenced by the profile of the players and the requirements of the match or competition." 

That is the formation statement made in the England DNA document. Should we look back at recent England games, the Germany friendly stands out as a relevant example of this. Upon changing from the 4-3-3 to the 4-4-2 diamond, England increased their control on the centre of the pitch and with the addition of Jamie Vardy to the front two became more of a threat to the German goal. They changed shape due to the requirements of the game and it proved successful.

While the England DNA was only officially launched at the back end of 2014, under 18 months ago, it does appear to be bearing fruit. This report was developed by Dan Ashworth and his team. How accountable Roy Hodgson and his staff are to align the senior team with this philosophy is hard to tell however the signs are certainly there that it is being bought into.

Coming into the tournament England have one of the youngest squads around. Players such as Dele Alli (formerly coached by Dan Michiche - coach in the England youth set up), John Stones, Eric Dier and Raheem Sterling all fit the mould. These are players who can intelligently play in different roles for the team, are comfortable in possession and exude confidence. What better way to showcase the England DNA than with a young vibrant England squad making a fist of it in France this summer?

For those that are sceptical of the new direction the Football Association are looking to take English football in this is the chance to sway opinions. A positive performance - and I don't think anyone is demanding England bring the trophy home - may encourage clubs, coaches, players, to adopt this philosophy.

Alli and Dier are examples of players comfortable
playing in a number of roles 

The production line of talent appears to be working to good effect. England now have teams at every age group from under 15 to under 21. For those starting their 'international journey' , as described in a webinar by Dan Michiche, at just 14 years of age this allows them to experience the England set up. They can begin to develop an understanding of the England DNA and the expectations placed on them from an early age which could benefit the player in years to come.

More age groups allows more players to enter the system. Much has been made of the lack of English talent available to the manager so this could be an interesting way of developing the pool of talent. A glance at the England under 19s squad includes; Patrick Roberts, Reece Oxford, Ademola Lookman, Lewis Cook. It's an impressive looking squad. All players I would have thought could play at higher age groups, further highlighting the talent that is there to be developed.

Coming back to the senior team, this tournament could be very important for the development of English football. If elements of the DNA playing philosophy (In possession, out of possession, transition phase) are evident in the way the England team successfully this summer it will show huge progress and bode well. There will be reason to believe in something that a lot of time and money has gone into.

I myself hope to have the time available to analyse England's games in relation to the playing philosophy that the England DNA presents. It will be interesting to see the difference in style compared to the world cup in Brazil, with the DNA launched just six months after too.