Online Reporter
HARRY KANE wants England to write an NFL-style “playbook” of set-pieces to win the World Cup.
The Three Lions captain, 32, knows corners and long throws have become all the rage in modern football.
And the massive Gridiron fan reckons Thomas Tuchel’s men can copy American football by having a specific guide to land the global prize in New Jersey next summer.
Kane, preparing for England’s final Group K qualifier in Albania on Sunday, said: “I know it is not the prettiest part of the game but we have always been big on set-plays, both defending and attacking. I feel like we are getting in some really good routines attacking-wise.
“There is not a lot of time to practise in a tournament. But we want to build a book of set-plays. You want to have like an NFL playbook where you look at the opposition and see if they are zonal or if they man-mark.
“We can pick what we want to do and ultimately, the best team at set-plays normally go on to be the tournament’s best team.
“Obviously Declan Rice and players like that can put in perfect crosses as they are doing it week-in, week-out for their clubs.” England, who have won all seven of their qualifiers without conceding a goal, have been focusing on corners and free-kicks this week with assistant boss Anthony Barry and Paul Quilter, the team’s set-piece analyst.
Boss Tuchel said in September he could turn the Three Lions into Wimbledon’s Crazy Gang by mixing up his tactics with long throws and big goal-kicks to become world champs.
But Kane added: “Our defensive record is really good as well. Meetings are really important with Paul and Anthony who go through the details.
“It is about the lads taking it in mentally and hopefully by the summer, we will have a good mixture of set-plays.”
Kane believes England are in a different place to 12 months ago when they were in limbo under interim chief Lee Carsley. The Bayern Munich striker added: “It’s better than where we were last year. There was a transition stage with a new manager and temporary manager with Lee. So there is maybe room for a little bit of an excuse.”
He also spoke of his strong relationship with German coach Tuchel.
Kane said: “He was the main reason why I ended up going to Bayern. I love his energy, I love what he wanted to do and how he wanted to play.
“When he got the job, he saw me as a big leader in the group, and someone who was going to help him in many ways.”
Tuchel is likely to make changes in Albania and Jude Bellingham – a sub in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Serbia – is likely to start -Sun.
