England captain Harry Kane has revealed that the national team will adopt an NFL-style playbook for set-pieces at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Kane emphasised the importance of free-kicks, corners and long throws, which he described as 'massive' to England's chances of success.
Kane, a keen NFL fan and friend of Tom Brady, said England are building a 'book of set plays' to counter the expected high temperatures in the United States. The team scored nine of their 12 goals from set-pieces in the 2018 World Cup, and Kane believes an even greater focus is needed this time.
Set-piece analyst Paul Quilter and assistant coach Anthony Barry are leading detailed sessions, with Declan Rice providing deadly deliveries from corners and free kicks. Rice has become a specialist for Arsenal, the Premier League's set-piece kings.
Kane said: 'We want to build a book of set plays where we can go into the tournament. You want to have an NFL playbook where you look at the opposition and pick what we want to do. The best team at set plays normally go on to be the best team in the tournament.'
Kane also highlighted the renewed 'brotherhood' under manager Thomas Tuchel, following a period of uncertainty under interim boss Lee Carsley. He said the team is in a 'really good place' and ready to go all the way next summer.
