England’s more fluid tactical structure is helping unlock the full potential of Jude Bellingham and other key attackers, according to assistant coach Anthony Barry, who noted that top players are no longer ‘caged in’ under the new approach.
Barry, who has been working closely with head coach Thomas Tuchel on the post-World Cup rebuild, said the team is using the Nations League campaign as preparation for Euro 2028, which England will co-host. The 7-0 victory over Croatia showcased how the new system allows England’s best players to operate with greater freedom and expression.
Key Facts
- Anthony Barry is England’s assistant coach.
- England’s new structure means key attackers are not ‘caged in’.
- The team recently defeated Croatia 7-0 in the Nations League.
- England will co-host Euro 2028.
- Barry says the hunt is on to find the ‘missing piece’ to reach glory.
What happens next?
The immediate focus is continuing the Nations League campaign, which the Football Association views as a stepping stone toward Euro 2028. Barry emphasized that the groundwork for a more liberated style has already begun, pointing to the dominant performance against Croatia as evidence that the new tactical framework is taking hold.
Barry described the collaborative process with Tuchel, saying the pair have reviewed performances in detail to identify areas for improvement. He joked that Tuchel is ‘doing my head in’ with the level of scrutiny, suggesting the coaching staff is deeply invested in fine-tuning the approach before major tournaments.
The assistant coach specifically highlighted how the new system benefits players like Bellingham, who are now able to explore positional freedom rather than being restricted by rigid tactical constraints. This liberation, Barry said, is central to maximizing individual and collective output.
Background and context
The push for tactical fluidity follows England’s semi-final exit at the World Cup, prompting a reassessment of how to best utilize the squad’s attacking talent. Barry, who previously worked with Tuchel at Chelsea, brings experience in structured yet flexible systems that prioritize player expression within collective discipline.
England’s co-hosting of Euro 2028 adds urgency to the development timeline, with the domestic football community expecting measurable progress in the interim. The Nations League serves as a competitive environment to test new ideas without the pressure of knockout-stage elimination. Analysts note that fluid attacking systems often require time to gel, especially when integrating high-profile players with strong individual playing styles.
The 7-0 rout of Croatia demonstrated the potential ceiling of this approach, with multiple goal-scorers and fluid positional rotations indicating that players are adapting well to the new philosophy.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
Verified by the source:
- Anthony Barry is England’s assistant coach.
- England recently won 7-0 against Croatia.
- Barry says the new structure allows key attackers more freedom.
- England will co-host Euro 2028.
Still unconfirmed:
- Specific tactical details of the new system.
- Timelines for further implementation.
- Direct quotes from Thomas Tuchel.
- Whether Bellingham will start in upcoming matches.
Why it matters
How England develops tactically under Tuchel will influence their trajectory in international football, particularly as they prepare to host a major tournament in 2028. A more fluid system that maximizes individual talent could finally bridge the gap between promising performances and tournament success.
What to watch
England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures will show whether the fluid structure can consistently produce dominant results against stronger opposition. Further comments from Tuchel or Barry may clarify the long-term vision.