‘The long throw is back’ – Thomas Tuchel could turn England into Wimbledon’s Crazy Gang in bid to win World Cup

Published on September 07, 2025 at 08:53 PM
Estimated Read Time:

SunSport's Tom Barclay gives his verdict on three big Thomas Tuchel decisions after the 2-0 win over Andorra

THOMAS TUCHEL could turn England into Wimbledon’s ­famous Crazy Gang in an attempt to make them world champions.

wants his team to mix things up and cause problems with long throws and big goal-kicks.

Jordan Pickford of England kicks a soccer ball during a match.England could turn to long throw-ins and free kicks as they look to shake things up under Thomas Tuchel Wimbledon's "Crazy Gang" football team in 1995.Wimbledon’s ‘Crazy Gang’ were known for their unusual tactics and physicality

face the most difficult of their in on Tuesday.

Despite winning all four games under the new German coach, they are yet to impress.

, known as the Crazy Gang, were known for their direct and physical style of play during the 1980s and 90s.

Tuchel said: “The long throw-in is back. But we do not have a lot of time.

“Once we arrive at the World Cup, all these things matter, so we will talk about long throw-ins, about long kicks from the goalkeeper and not only playing short.

“We cannot put everything into four days of training. I need to reflect with my assistant coaches.

“These patterns are back and crosses are back as well.”

Many Premier League teams play like possession-based .

But many critics feel England’s top flight has become boring to watch.

Not that in their on Saturday.

Wayne Rooney reveals he made England chiefs take photo down of Three Lions legend from bedroom wall

Tuchel knows his team need a big improvement against Serbia in Belgrade.

‘Football philosophy’ can be dismal to watch, says Crazy Gang legend Wally Downes

THERE is such a buzz for ‘football philosophy’ but if you don’t win games, you get sacked — and your philosophy goes with you.

We played direct, high-pressing football at Wimbledon because we had the lowest budget in every division we played in.

It’s dismal to watch sides desperately play out from the back when they don’t have the keeper or back four to do so.

It’s also a waste of time going direct if you don’t have the patterns of play, speed, strength or desire.

If Thomas Tuchel wins playing like Ajax or Wimbledon, it won’t matter.
There’s no asterisk next to our promotions and FA Cup that says ‘But they didn’t f*** around with it at the back’.

We know Tuchel can coach sides how to pass and play.

Hopefully, the fella’s got half a clue what he’s doing.

He warned: “A big test is coming on Tuesday.

“We feel we’re ready to step up to the atmosphere and physicality. It will be a very important game.

“We need to be ready for everything.

“We will be facing the same defensive block of 5-4-1 with individual ­quality up front and tall physical strikers.”

England are monitoring defender who left the pitch in the drab victory over Andorra with a groin issue.

Prev Article Horse racing tips: Three outsiders to smash the bookies including a proven winner at 9-1
Next Article Lagos doesn’t belong to one man -Vivour Rhodes

Related to this topic:

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Search

Newsletter image

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Join 10k+ people to get notified about new posts, news and tips.

Do not worry we don't spam!