HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Set-Pieces: England's X-Factor for World Cup Glory?

BBC Sport Football •
×

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson asserts that set-piece expertise could be the decisive factor for England's World Cup campaign. With Arsenal's Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, alongside Chelsea's Reece James, providing deadly delivery from dead-ball situations, Robinson argues these players form a potent attacking weapon. He contends that 27% of Premier League goals this season came from set-pieces - a statistic that highlights the tactic's effectiveness.

England's defenders, including Dan Burn and Harry Maguire, also possess the aerial prowess to capitalize at both ends of the pitch. Robinson believes head coach Thomas Tuchel, known for his tactical pragmatism, will integrate this approach without stylistic compromise. He states: 'I genuinely think set-pieces could help England win the World Cup.' The analysis suggests England's set-piece threat could provide the fine margin needed in tournament football, though Robinson acknowledges potential challenges with foreign referees regarding physical interactions in the penalty area.