Harry Maguire heads home for England against Sweden at the World Cup
Harry Maguire heads home for England against Sweden at the World Cup

UEFA Nations League: England proven best from set pieces after World Cup


Gareth Southgate will be hoping England can pick up where they left off after surpassing expectations at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, especially when it comes to their set piece play.

The Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the Russia tournament, losing to Croatia in extra-time, and the players came home as heroes after their effort and endeavour.

After discovering their strong set piece capabilities, they could look to use their skill and aerial dominance to get past Spain in their UEFA Nations League opener on Saturday.

UEFA Nations League: Details of the full draw, format &; schedule for the new Euro competition

They convened this week ahead of the Wembley clash, as well as a friendly with Switzerland in Leicester next week, and will be hoping to take the summer's positives into the new campaign.

Statistics show Southgate's side were the best performing nation from set pieces in Russia, scoring six goals in total as the likes of Harry Kane, Harry Maguire and John Stones caused a nuisance in opposition boxes.

Southgate used various sources for inspiration for creative set pieces. The 48-year-old took an interest in NBA, NFL and NHL in the United States, spending time across the Atlantic, while also adopting tactics from closer to home.

Such was his fascination, during his trip he constantly asked questions in an attempt to soak up information on various aspects, including the Americans’ well-planned ‘plays’ in NFL and pick-and-rolls from basketball.

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Saturday's meeting will also be intriguing as it sees the best passing sides of the group stages meet - England had an 88.8% passing accuracy, the second most. Meanwhile Spain, now under the management of former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, topped the charts with 91.3%.

Who takes their chances will be key and England will be hoping Golden Boot winner Harry Kane steps up to the occasion once again after scoring six of their 12 goals in Russia.

UEFA Nations League: Details of the full draw, format & schedule for the new Euro competition

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