When Thomas Tuchel was appointed England head coach back in October 2024, there was one aim in mind – end 60 years of hurt and win the World Cup.
The Germans’ tactical pragmatism and thorough attention to detail were the prime reasons for his hiring, but Tuchel’s preparation may depend on one remerging trend – set pieces.
Across the 2025/26 Premier League season, corners, free-kicks and long throws have increased in importance. Of the 1,021 goals scored so far, 259 have come from non-penalty set pieces – a total of 25.36% and the highest proportion over the last decade.
Tottenham and Leeds United have the highest amount, with 38.30% and 32.65% of their goals coming from set plays. Meanwhile, Arsenal have built a reputation as ‘Set-Piece FC’ with the league leaders scoring 22 non-penalty set-piece goals – a total of 31.88% for the season. The Gunners’ tally includes over 17 goals from corners, the most by a side in a single Premier League campaign ever.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, as well as Chelsea captain Reece James – providing he is fit – Tuchel has three dead-ball specialists to deploy when England take the field in the USA in June. Rice has nine assists for Arsenal this season, six of which have come from set-pieces, while James has contributed five from dead-ball deliveries.
The Three Lions’ record-breaking qualifying campaign last year suggests this strategy has been implemented well so far. While going unbeaten and without conceding, 25% of England’s goals came from either corners or free kicks, showcasing how efficient Tuchel’s side can be from dead-ball situations.
Embed from Getty ImagesEngland themselves are no strangers to set-piece dominance at the World Cup. In 2018, under Gareth Southgate, they netted nine times from set plays on their way to reaching the last four in Russia – The most by a team in a single tournament since 1966.
Ultimately, margins between victory and defeat at major international tournaments are thin. Tuchel’s England may not need to reinvent the wheel with their attacking play, but instead, maximise set pieces into a reliable route to glory this summer.
Statistics and data collected from Opta Sports, England, and BBC Sport.