England assistant coach Anthony Barry believes the national team has found a tactical path to maximize the impact of its star players. After extensive discussions with manager Thomas Tuchel, the coaching staff is moving toward a more adaptable, principle-driven approach designed to help the squad progress beyond their World Cup semi-final exit. The Nations League campaign, which serves as a vital preparation phase for the co-hosted Euro 2028 tournament, is already showcasing this shift in philosophy. According to he has mulled over the minutiae with Thomas Tuchel to such an extent he is allowed to make a joke at the boss’s expense. “He’s doing my head in,” Barry, With a smile. Which everybody at the Football Association wants to use as a slingshot into Euro 2028 when England will co-host, but Barry can see the genesis of an answer, it is early days in the Nations League campaign. A nthony Barry knows the hunt is on. What is the missing piece of the puzzle.
Central to this evolution is the role of Jude Bellingham. Following a dominant performance in Saturday’s 7-0 victory against Croatia in Rijeka—and an equally impressive display in the preceding 3-2 loss to Spain at Wembley—it is clear the coaching staff no longer wants to restrict the Real Madrid midfielder to a fixed position. Barry notes that the current structure permits Bellingham to follow his intuition rather than being caged in a singular role, allowing him to roam and create danger in spaces he identifies himself. To overload on either side, there were times when Bellingham seemed to be playing with his own ball, playing in the No 10 role but with greater licence to drift.
The coaching staff views this as a solution to Bellingham’s unique profile, drawing on his history as a versatile talent who has previously operated across various midfield roles. The aim is to create an environment where high-IQ players can perform multiple functions within a single match. This approach extends beyond Bellingham, encouraging players to rotate positions frequently and push into unconventional zones, a strategy that saw England’s full-backs play high up the pitch and wingers make aggressive, overlapping runs against Croatia. Enabling England’s top players to fully express themselves, and there is a reason why he finds himself talking about Jude Bellingham, it comes down to liberation. The story about why he wore the No 22 shirt at his first club, Birmingham, is well told.
This fluidity is underpinned by strict team principles, ensuring the side does not become disjointed. Players are expected to maintain defensive shape through intelligent movement, a reality highlighted by seeing Harry Kane track back into defensive positions. This collective work ethic, combined with a fierce counter-pressing system that forces turnovers within seconds, overwhelmed Croatia and allowed England to build a four-goal lead by halftime.
Barry emphasizes that the new system is about building on established strengths rather than starting from scratch. By trusting the decision-making of elite talents like Kane, Bellingham, and fluid midfielders such as Elliot Anderson, Alex Scott, and Declan Rice, the team is becoming more adept at breaking down defensive blocks. Less emphasis is placed on fixed positions and more on spontaneous interchanging, which the staff feels is better suited to their current roster.
Looking ahead to Tuesday night’s Nations League match against Czechia at Wembley, there is also a milestone to celebrate. Harry Kane is set to earn his 125th cap, equalling Peter Shilton’s record for the England men’s team. Barry praised the captain’s selfless leadership, lack of ego, and willingness to perform the unglamorous defensive tasks required of him.
Beyond his professionalism, Kane received high praise for his technical ability. Barry, who previously worked with Cristiano Ronaldo during his tenure with Portugal under Roberto Martínez, described Kane as the best ball-striker he has ever encountered. With these tactical adjustments and a deep, talented squad, the England coaching staff remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory as they aim for long-term international success.
