FIFA Targets England as They Crack Down on Three Lions' Tactics Before World Cup

FIFA have confirmed a World Cup grappling clampdown that will see attackers penalised for fouls BEFORE a set-piece is delivered.

But in a potentially major blow to , ’s side have been singled out by world chiefs as a team that has successfully deployed the dark arts that must be stopped.

Fifa singled out England as they introduced new guidance around grappling in the penalty box for the World Cup Credit: Getty They highlighted Ben White’s set-piece goal against Uruguay, in which Adam Wharton blocked Jose Maria Gimenez Credit: Reuters

refs’ boss Pierluigi Collina used the example of England’s goal in the March 1-1 friendly draw with to show the sort of illegal blocking that will not be allowed in the .

ran into Uruguay defender Jose Maria Gimenez before delivered the free-kick that ended with nudging home.

While all three England players involved were actually omitted from Tuchel’s final 26, it means the 170 tournament referees, assistants and VARs who arrived in Miami on Sunday have been alerted to watch out for the Three Lions in particular.

Collina said: “The incident at Wembley was very serious. The ball was not in play and there was a clear foul committed by an illegal block against the defender.

“That block was the only projected threat preventing the defender from being able to defend on his opponent.

“This happens a lot when defenders mark man to man and attackers try to create space but we are convinced that this goal cannot stand. It is completely unfair.”

The International FA Board agreed to the change at a meeting yesterday, so it comes into immediate effect, with VARs empowered to recommend a retake of the set piece.

Collina added he expects the International FA Board will agree to an emergency change in the Laws to come into immediate effect.

Referee chair Pierluigi Collina explained the new rules ahead of the tournament Credit: AFP

He said: “If a foul is committed just before the ball is in play, then VAR can intervene. We are convinced that nobody can object to something like this.”

While free-kicks will be awarded for attacking players who foul before the ball is in play, the clampdown will NOT apply to defenders, so penalties will not be awarded – although defending foulers could be sanctioned with yellow cards.

Collina also revealed that all 48 team coaches and their players will be shown a video compilation of handball situations that will set the benchmark of what is considered an offence – and what should not lead to a penalty kick.

The Italian former World Cup final ref, who awarded the Michael Owen-won spot kick that saw exorcise his own personal ghosts at the 2002 Finals in Sapporo, explained: “We have provided coaches with several clips trying to cover all the possible scenarios.

“Of course, with handballs it’s very difficult to find consistency between examples.

“Even a small difference may mean a different decision but we have tried to cover all the possible scenarios so the coaches and players know when they may expect one decision or another decision.

“But it’s not the 100 per cent answer. There might be some differences and interpretations taken by the referee based on his own judgment.”

The tournament will see the first roll-out of a number of new laws that will come into effect in domestic football next season.

Thomas Tuchel and Co will have to contend with a host of new tweaks to rules at the tournament Credit: Getty

VAR will be able to intervene on second yellow cards and wrongly-awarded corners, although only “if the decision can be changed without any delay” when a flag kick has been signalled.

Collina said: “It would have to be a clearly incorrect second yellow card.”

Other law changes, aimed at “improving the tempo of the game” will see the introduction of a five second “countdown” signal when goal kicks and throw-ins are being delayed.

Corners will be awarded if the goal kick is delayed while throw-ins will be reversed if the referee adjudges time is being deliberately wasted.

Players have just 10 seconds to leave the pitch once a board with their number is raised or their team will have to play a man short for the first minute after the restart.

The World Cup will also see three minute “hydration breaks” mid-way through each half of EVERY match while Fifa has also brought in the “Vinicius rule”, meaning a red card for any player who covers their mouth in a “confrontational” exchange with an opponent.

And in a bid to stop “tactical time-outs”, players will not be allowed to go to the touchline to speak with coaches when a goalkeeper is down “injured” on the pitch.