Great football teams in history can often be recognised just by their style of play, particularly with memorable national teams. Many people associate certain styles of play as part of the fabric of how a nation plays the art of football. Some would go as far to call it their ‘DNA’.
With this in mind the England Football Association (FA) launched a new training philosophy called England DNA in December 2014 alongside Gareth Southgate, the current manager of the senior team who at the time was in charge of the Under 21s.
Deeping Rangers Under 10s manager Steve Eason has been getting training on the philosophy at St. George’s Park for the past few years and is thoroughly behind the FA initiative:
“England DNA is fantastic. The FA analysed teams over the past few decades and they all have their own DNA. Argentina, Germany, Spain, they all have their own DNA so why can’t we?”
The small Lincolnshire club are amongst a number of teams selected to have their coaches trained on the new philosophy at the state of the art training facility opened in October 2012 and Steve described how much it has changed his way of thinking:
“It has absolutely made me a better a coach. The tactics I’ve learned and passed onto the rest of the coaching staff has improved them as coaches. And the lads absolutely love it. It’s all about letting players think for themselves. Playing with flair and playing positivity.”
The teams in the past with an instantly recognisable style of play, or DNA, have always been very successful, and Steve predicts similar big things once the regime has been in place for a generation of youngsters:
“We are already seeing the fruits of England DNA. Under 17s World Champions, Under 20s World Champions, I have no doubt in my mind these victories are a direct result of England DNA. The future is bright for these youngsters coming through.”
If those results are anything to go by, who knows what could be achieved over the next few years.
Take a look at the nations below historically known for their individual style of play.
Brazil are reonowned for their technical skill and flair with the ball, often attributed to a style derived from a type of dance called ‘Ginga.’
German sides are often known for their organisational play, tough to break down and counter-pressing style.
And who could forget the Netherlands and their hard pressing ‘Total Football’:
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