The Athletic Football Tactics Podcast
232 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 67 ratingsHosted by Ali Maxwell, revered football tactics writer Michael Cox is joined by more of The Athletic's brightest tactics and data analytics writers to break down the tactical and technical details behind the biggest footballing stories each week - assessing the latest trends, systems, players, managers and all manner of statistics in order to give you a deeper understanding of the game.
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Episodes
Liverpool v Real Madrid: Champions League Final Preview
May 24, 2022 04:00 - 51 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to preview an all-star Champions League final as Liverpool prepare to face Real Madrid on Saturday... What can Klopp learn from Real's performances in Europe this season, how might they adjust tactically in Thiago's absence, and what has a thrilling, but ultimately draining, Premier League title race done for their chances? Plus, why Ancelotti could deploy Camavinga from the start, Trent Alexander-Arnold vs Vinicius Jr and a mind...
Premier League Manager Of The Year
May 18, 2022 14:30 - 54 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to explore the shortlist for this season's Premier League Manager of the Season... How the award should be judged, who else deserved a nomination and should we be able to use underlying metrics to make a better case for some of them. Is Thomas Frank the best pound-for-pound boss (literally ££), should Eddie Howe even be eligible and has David Moyes become a victim of his recent success? Plus, whether or not it's still too soon to...
Chelsea v Liverpool: FA Cup Final Preview
May 11, 2022 15:00 - 45 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to preview the FA Cup final between Tuchel's Chelsea and Klopp's Liverpool. Our panel explore the key tactical battles, possible team selection and analyse two unorthodox number 9's, in Sadio Mane and Kai Havertz, who will be expected to lead the line for their respective clubs on Saturday... Plus, why Tuchel has failed to find 'balance' in the final third, why Salah has struggled against Rudiger in previous meetings and why Chel...
How Good A Manager Is Carlo Ancelotti?
May 04, 2022 16:40 - 52 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to take a closer look at Carlo Ancelotti's managerial career, after he became the first manager to win all five big European league titles... Sounds great... but should he have won more? The panel explore the common tactical themes of his title-winning teams, why Michael thought his fourth title would be his last, how he is perceived by supporters and big players and ultimately, whether he should have won a lot more! Plus, an all...
Can we measure the value of a goal?
April 27, 2022 14:41 - 49 minutesAll goals are worth the same, or are they? The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to try and work out whether it's possible to accurately measure the true value of a goal, and try to find out which players score the most valuable goals. Taking our lead from Mark's recent piece on the subject, we delve into the data to look at the likes of Didier Drogba, Christian Benteke, Richarlison and Christian Eriksen as we attempt to work out why certain players appear more capab...
Liverpool v Man City: Tactics & Rivalry
April 20, 2022 16:00 - 53 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to explore the recent tactical battles between Liverpool and Manchester City and the questions both Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp will face, if both sides reach this season's Champions League Final... Why Zack Steffen's FA Cup semi-final-freeze was predictable, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joao Cancelo's impact in the 2-2 draw at the Etihad. Plus, Jesus over Mahrez, Keita or Henderson and whether it's too soon to write this off as...
Erik ten Hag's Manchester United: Maguire, Ronaldo & What To Expect
April 13, 2022 14:00 - 54 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to explore what Manchester United fans can expect, should Erik ten Hag become their next permanent manager... The panel analyse the tactical system employed by Ajax in the Champions League and why he wouldn't necessarily be able to just copy and paste at Old Trafford. Plus, wingers doubling up on the same flank, left-footed vacancies in the current squad, whether they will finally sign a defensive midfielder and what his arrival ...
Ward-Prowse, Beckham... Rick Holden? Is It Actually Worth Shooting From A Free-Kick?
April 06, 2022 16:30 - 58 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to explore the art of (and the data behind) Free-Kicks... The best and worst FK takers in Premier League history, the cult-heroes, the myths and why the 'knuckle-ball' isn't as good as the 'whip n' dip'. Why James Ward-Prowse is an even better free-kick taker than you already thought, whether or not you actually need a wall, plus, Watford's unwanted record and the ambidextrous exploits of Salernitana's Simone Verdi. Learn more ab...
Xavi's Barcelona: Physicality, Width & Ajax
March 30, 2022 12:00 - 56 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and John Muller join host Ali Maxwell to assess Xavi's impact at Barcelona, since returning as Head Coach... But was the club's 'crisis' slightly overplayed and how do Xavi's team differ to the ones he played in? Plus, the trio celebrate Pique's long-passing, Busquets longevity and the shift in the physical profile of their newest signings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Saka, Sancho & Selection Headaches: Gareth Southgate's England Squad
March 23, 2022 13:30 - 1 hourThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell, to run the numbers of Gareth Southgate's latest England squad... Will Southgate alter his formation to accommodate the wealth of attacking talent? Mings over Tomori, justifying the omissions of Sancho and Rashford, plus, who starts in goal in Qatar? Our trio shine a light on England ahead of this year's Winter World Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Brighton, Man United... England. Is Graham Potter an Elite Manager?
March 17, 2022 05:00 - 55 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to explore the hype around Brighton boss Graham Potter, which has led to the widespread belief that a 'Big 6' Premier League team, a Champions League club abroad or even the England National Team job are on the horizon... The trio assess the notorious xG underperformance, the bold response to going behind in games, the admiration from the likes of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, as well as, why not all Brighton fans are quite so ...
Arteta's Arsenal: No Straight Lines To Success
March 09, 2022 16:30 - 1 hourThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to assess Mikel Arteta's Arsenal - just over two years on from his arrival... Does the club now have an established tactical identity, in which key areas have they dramatically improved and what's next - irrespective of whether or not they finish inside the Top 4 this season. Plus, how Odegaard has helped unlock their attacking potential, being less reliant on Kieran Tierney's relentless crossing, how to replace Lacazette and if ...
The Evolution of Premier League Shooting & Saints' Sly Stoppages
March 02, 2022 15:00 - 52 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to discuss how shooting has evolved in the Premier League thanks to the rise in analytics over the last decade... Have we properly addressed the shared 'nostalgia bias' associated with long-range wonder goals, Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and more... Then in part two, building on the recent revelations made by The Athletic's Dan Sheldon over Southampton's 'manufactured' stoppages; How important is the rhythm of a Premier League m...
The Business End Of The Season: Premier League Notebook
February 23, 2022 15:30 - 51 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox (tactics) and Mark Carey (data) join host Ali Maxwell to re-open their Premier League notebooks to discuss the sudden outbreak of a genuine title race after Conte's Spurs shocked the Champions last weekend... But will Liverpool's attack or Manchester City's defence ultimately prevail? Have West Ham officially run out of steam and are Arsenal the favourites for the last Champion's League spot? Plus, why Everton, Crystal Palace and Brentford should be looking nervousl...
How Good Is Your Team In Transition?
February 17, 2022 05:00 - 53 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to explore 'transitions' in football... How are they distinct from counter-attacks, how 'brave' it is to press high, as well as whether or not typically good counter-attacking sides like Liverpool and Leeds are still defined by this style? Plus, which Premier League teams are both the best and the worst in transition and which style is best=suited to Rangnick's Manchester United. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone....
Michael Cox on the WSL title race: Bonus episode
February 16, 2022 10:00 - 19 minutesA bonus chance to hear what happened when The Athletic's Michael Cox, joined The Athletic Women's Football Podcast, to discuss a fascinating title race in the WSL this season, as well as, why he thinks the league might benefit from a 'mid-season split'. Our weekly tactics podcast will be available from Thursday morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Van Dijk, Rudiger & Rating Premier League Centre-Back's Properly
February 09, 2022 16:00 - 44 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell, to talk Premier League centre-backs... How to properly 'rate' them, both in and out of possession, playing in different tactical systems, within teams which are more dominant than others and within their respective centre-back partnerships too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Declining Three-Man Defences & Crediting The Pass Receivers
February 03, 2022 05:00 - 56 minutesThe Athletic's tactics and data analytics writers Michael Cox and Mark Carey, join host Ali Maxwell, to explore the rise and fall of three-man defences in the Premier League in recent years... Plus, the trio discuss their colleague John Muller's article, which encourages us to start giving the pass-receivers some long-overdue credit. How the league's best created 'receiving value' over the course of the 2020/21 Premier League season, what Liverpool's front-three stats can tell us about Trent ...
Antonio Conte's Spurs
January 26, 2022 17:30 - 55 minutesThe Athletic's tactics writer Michael Cox and Spurs correspondent Charlie Eccleshare, join host Ali Maxwell to reflect on Antonio Conte's start to life as Tottenham head coach... The trio reflect on his own personal 'tactical timeline' and explore comparisons between his Chelsea side and the team he is currently building in North London, with reference to the recent trilogy of defeats at the hands of his former employers. Plus, as the January transfer window draws to a close - why outcasts Nd...
Correcting The Men's & Women's FIFPro World XI
January 20, 2022 05:00 - 1 hourThe Athletic's Mark Carey and Michael Cox join host Ali Maxwell to debate the results of this week's FIFPro World Xi... Have Ronaldo and Messi outstayed their welcome or do the statistics support their continued selection? Do trophies skew the numbers and do footballers watch enough actual football? Plus, Alex Ibaceta (from the Box To Box WSL podcast) joins us to help correct an even more eyebrow-raising Women's Xi - as Champion's League winners and Olympic gold medalists were overlooked. Lea...
Kane, Lacazette, Jota... Where Have All The Goalscorers Gone?
January 13, 2022 05:00 - 1 hourThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to explore a recent trend, affecting goal-scorers in the Premier League... The trio reflect on how their role has changed over the last two decades and put the current crop of leading men under to spotlight, to see how their collective goal output has been affected and why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pep's Innovation, Lukaku's System & Ralf's False Start: Premier League Notebook
January 05, 2022 16:00 - 1 hourAre Man City simply playing against themselves now, did Lukaku have a point about Tuchel's system and why are Arsenal better in Aubameyang's absence? The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey once again open their notebooks and re-join host Ali Maxwell, following a busy period of festive football, to assess the state of play in key areas of the Premier League table in 2022... Is the title race already over, will Burnley's relegation record count for anything this season and has Ralf Rangnick ...
January Transfer Window Scouting
December 23, 2021 05:00 - 1 hourAli Maxwell. Mark Carey and John Muller are on a mission. A mission to go through the Premier League and identify a position and transfer for each team. It's a data scouting special! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gerrard, Ancelotti, Venables & The 'Christmas Tree' Formation
December 15, 2021 17:00 - 57 minutesThe Athletic's tactics writer Michael Cox and data analytics writer Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell for a festive dissection of the 'Christmas Tree' Formation... They trace it's roots from Crystal Palace in the 1970's, Ancelotti's fabled 80's Milan teams, through to Terry Venables 90's England and all the way to modern day Aston Villa and new manager Steven Gerrard. The trio debate its strengths and weakness, and even pick their own 'Xmas Tree PL XI' - one player per club rule! Learn more ab...
'The Rise Of The Underlap'
December 09, 2021 05:00 - 47 minutesThe Athletic's newest signing and data analytics writer, John Muller, makes his podcast debut alongside Michael Cox and host Ali Maxwell, to discuss the growing trend of UNDER-lapping full-backs... The trio explore what it means to underlap both laterally and diagonally, who the real pioneers of this tactical evolution are and why more and more coaches are setting up their teams in this way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ralf Rangnick's Manchester United
December 01, 2021 18:30 - 54 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey, join host Ali Maxwell to discuss what incoming manager Ralf Rangnick's Manchester United may look like from a tactical perspective... The trio assess what they can learn from his old Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig sides and reflect on the nuanced differences between pressing and Rangnick's notorious 'gegenpressing' ideals. Plus, why the age profile of the current Manchester United squad adds another layer of interest to Ralf's appointment and which player...
Musiala's Superpowers, Dysfunctional Dortmund & Wing-less Red Bull Leipzig: Bundesliga Revisited
November 25, 2021 05:00 - 57 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and host Ali Maxwell are joined by German football expert Raphael Honigstein as their European tour extends to Germany... Rafa guides the trio through Bayern's latest anti-vaxx headache and how Jude Bellingham is carrying an entire Borussia Dortmund midfield at just 18 years old! Plus, more on RB Leipzig's identity crisis, why Freiburg are the 'neutrals darlings' and why Union Berlin manager Urs Fischer and Sean Dyche need to grab a pint/stein together s...
Simeone's Achilles Heel, Ancelotti's Vibes & Xavi's Teaching Style: La Liga Revisited
November 17, 2021 19:30 - 1 hourThe Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and host Ali Maxwell, continue their survey of Europe's major leagues - Next stop, Spain, as Dermot Corrigan guides them through an usually chaotic start to this La Liga season... Together they explore why Klopp's recent criticism of Diego Simeone's Atletico was way off the mark, how much harm the Newcastle links have done to Unai Emery at Villarreal, if Barcelona youngsters Pedri and Gavi can form a similar partnership to the one their new manager Xavi ...
The 'MK Messi', Matching PSG's Possession - An Interview with MK Dons Sporting Director Liam Sweeting
November 12, 2021 12:00 - 54 minutesThe now Germany-bound Tom Worville stopped off in Milton Keynes with host Ali Maxwell for one last interview with MK Dons Sporting Director Liam Sweeting... Liam reveals how data contributed to an emergency manager search when Russell Martin departed for Swansea a week before the new League One season, how the Dons average as much possession as PSG, what midfielder Scott Twine has in common in Messi and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mourinho's Roma, Cholo's Free-Scoring Son & Zlatan-less Milan: Serie A Revisited
November 10, 2021 21:00 - 1 hourThe Athletic's Michael Cox and host Ali Maxwell are joined by James Horncastle to discuss Jose Mourinho's latest vendetta with the Italian referees, what Juventus and Manchester United have in common, Milan's best start to a domestic season since the 50s and a Venetian Xmas Tree... Plus, how Diego Simeone's son has become Europe's hottest striker, why Fiorentina's starting XI is perennially changing, how Atalanta keep on surprising us and much much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...
The Rise of Data Journalism & Farewell Tom Worville
November 03, 2021 18:30 - 48 minutesFor Tom Worville's last podcast (before leaving us to join RB Leipzig!) host Ali Maxwell and The Athletic's Michael Cox, join him to reflect on the continued rise of data and analytics in football journalism and Tom's pioneering work in the field... From xG going mainstream, 'field tilt' being referenced on MNF, 'translating' the language of football data, the remaining 'blindspots' in the profession and even some advice for aspiring analytics writers - we say a fond farewell to Tom. Learn mo...
Neymar, Robben, Lewandowski & Benzema: Out of Messi & Ronaldo's Shadow
October 27, 2021 17:30 - 1 hourThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Tom Worville join host Ali Maxwell to assess how the careers of Neymar, Arjen Robben, Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski might be viewed if they didn't simply exist in an era dominated by both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How To Build A Premier League-Winning Team
October 20, 2021 17:10 - 43 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Tom Worville join host Ali Maxwell, for a fascinating exercise in hypothetical Premier League squad-building... From unbalanced centre-back partnerships to midfield weakness, asymmetrical quality on the flanks and whether the goalkeeper or the main striker is the most important? Under strict parameters, our trio attempt to build one squad capable of lifting the Premier League title AND one of avoiding relegation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...
Rebuilding Newcastle & Improving the laws of the game
October 13, 2021 13:01 - 58 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Tom Worville join Ali Maxwell to assess the Newcastle United squad following their takeover last week. Which areas will they need to strengthen in January? And if and when a new manager is announced, will they be able to improve the performances of the current squad? Plus...Michael outlines a number of changes he would like to make to the laws of the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why Chelsea, Liverpool & Man City Full-Backs May Decide Title Race + Euro Scouting
October 06, 2021 14:00 - 44 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Tom Worville join host Ali Maxwell to reflect on the chaotic but tactically fascinating contest between Liverpool and Man City - and discuss how a common trend among England's top three clubs could hold the keys to this season's Premier League crown... Plus, Tom explains how Mo Salah and Phil Foden were able to wreak such havoc last Sunday, and later, adopts the role of European data scout to highlight four young prospects who Premier League fans should keep a...
Messi in Moments, Traore's Take-Ons, 'Direct' Brentford: Notebook Re-Opened
September 29, 2021 13:30 - 49 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Tom Worville join host Ali Maxwell to reflect on Lionel Messi's role in PSG's victory over Manchester City. Plus, a closer look at how Adama Traore is performing under new Wolves boss, Bruno Lage, and how both Brighton and Brentford's numbers continue to impress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Salah, Mane & Sterling: The PL 100 Club Wide-Forwards
September 22, 2021 16:20 - 56 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to assess the respective journey's of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Raheem Sterling - on their way to scoring 100 Premier League goals... The trio analyse not only the changes in the individual players but the wider game around them, as well as, the influence of their coaches, as a new type of forward starts to join an illustrious group of goal scorers. Who will end their respective career with the most goals? What are their biggest s...
How Creative Is Paul Pogba Really?
September 15, 2021 16:15 - 46 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Tom Worville join host Ali Maxwell to assess whether or not 'assists' tell the whole story when it comes to measuring a players creativity... The trio investigate how expected assists (xA) and other metrics can provide a clearer picture, if Pogba stands any chance of breaking the Premier League assists record this season, as well as, to what extent set-pieces 'stat-pad' for the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...
Who Won The European Transfer Window & Ultra-Consistent Mo Salah
September 08, 2021 17:45 - 1 hourThe Athletic's Tom Worville and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to assess the big winners from the summer transfer window on the continent. How AC Milan got back into the Champions League after an eight-year hiatus, why Norwich are better prepared for a season in the top flight this time around and more... Plus, Mark elaborates on the innovative new ways in which data can be used to assess how consistent some of the world's top forwards really are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...
Ronaldo's Return
August 31, 2021 15:00 - 46 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Tom Worville join host Ali Maxwell to assess the many ramifications of one of the biggest Premier League transfer stories in history - as Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Manchester United... Does he slot into Solskjaer's team as a pure no.9 and how will his arrival impact the likes of Mason Greenwood and notably, Paul Pogba from a tactical perspective? Will it become a struggle to accommodate a 'passenger' in big games this season and how might he have fit in at Pe...
Alexander-Arnold, Walker, James... Are Right-Backs Still Right-Backs?
August 25, 2021 17:45 - 1 hourThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Tom Worville join host Ali Maxwell to discuss an interesting trend in the number of Premier League right-backs, simply not playing at right back... Our tactical trio discuss Trent Alexander-Arnold's narrow positioning against Burnley, a marauding Reece James at the Emirates, Matty Cash's long-throws, Livramento's debut and if Kyle Walker is better technically that he gets credit for? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Premier League Opening Weekend Notebook
August 18, 2021 15:00 - 48 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Tom Worville open their notebooks and join host Ali Maxwell for their reflections on the opening weekend of a new Premier League season... The differences between Everton and Arsenal's crossing tactics, Mason Greenwood and Adam Armstrong's finishing, plus, Chelsea's "total dominance" and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Premier League Season Preview
August 11, 2021 16:50 - 1 hourThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Tom Worville join host Ali Maxwell to assess each Premier League club's chances for success this season. How might European football impact on West Ham's campaign, are Liverpool and Man United genuine title contenders, will Bielsa's Leeds be immune to 'second season syndrome' and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transfer market trends and the enduring greatness of Messi
August 04, 2021 13:39 - 38 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox, Tom Worville and Ali Maxwell are here to gently ease you back in to the new football season as they take a look at how the transfer market and player recruitment is changing - with teams increasingly on the lookout for young talent could those teams who gamble on a slightly older vintage gain an edge? How have the combined forces of the Euros and the ongoing pandemic affected the market this summer? And after Messi finally won an international tournament with Argen...
Euros Notebook - breaking down the final and where England went wrong
July 14, 2021 02:00 - 42 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox, Tom Worville and Ali Maxwell open the Euros notebook for the last time in order to reflect on the final between England and Italy and work out how the game was won and lost. We look at England's cautious approach after going ahead so early, how the midfield of Verratti and Jorginho dominated possession, the substitutions and tactical decisions from Southgate & Mancini and of course the penalty shoot-out that ultimately decided the tournament. We also reflect on Eur...
England v Italy tactical preview
July 08, 2021 12:39 - 43 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox, Tom Worville and Ali Maxwell open the Euros notebook for the penultimate time as they look back at two contrasting but equally thrilling semi-finals and then look ahead to Sunday's final of England against Italy Will the Italians dominate midfield? Will England's pace on the flanks be the difference for them? These questions and more answered as we preview the game from every possible tactical angle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Euros Notebook - semi-final preview
July 05, 2021 12:46 - 41 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox, Tom Worville and Ali Maxwell open the Euros notebook once again for a look back at the key tactical moments from the quarter-finals and look ahead to the semi-finals Will Southgate change England's system again or will we see a similarly high-pressing intense approach that vanquished Ukraine? Could Denmark switch their outstanding right-footed left-back to the right side to take advantage of Luke Shaw's surges forward? And who will come out on top in the battle of ...
Euros Notebook - How the round of 16 was won and lost + Quarter-Final preview
June 30, 2021 15:52 - 42 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox, Tom Worville and Ali Maxwell are here with the latest edition of our Euros Notebook, picking out the key tactical observations that tell us how the round of 16 games were won and lost - particularly what went wrong for the big boys France, Portugal, Germany and Netherlands. We also look ahead to all four quarter-finals with versatile Switzerland up against the passing masters of Spain, injury-wracked Belgium taking on the impressively deep squad of Italy, the resil...
Euros Notebook - Pogba impressing, Spain improving, England v Germany tactical preview
June 24, 2021 17:32 - 43 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox, Tom Worville an Ali Maxwell open the Euros notebook once again to share their insights on the final round of group games and look ahead to the round of 16 There's a look at how France are progressing and in particular how impressive Paul Pogba has been so far, talk of Spain's improvement as the group stage has gone on, and picking out some intriguing trends from across the tournament as a whole. We also go in-depth on the two most tantalising round of 16 ties in Be...
Euros Notebook - Cautious England, woeful Turkey and galloping Gosens
June 21, 2021 13:22 - 36 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox, Tom Worville and Ali Maxwell are back with another Euros tactical notebook, picking out a variety of interesting things from across the second batch of group stage games. Topics covered include a possible explanation for Gareth Southgate's cautious use of England's full-backs so far, a look at Turkey's astonishingly bad defence, and Portugal's repeated struggles to deal with the threat of Germany's galloping wing-back Robin Gosens. All that plus we pick some of our...