Thomas Tuchel and Harry Kane spoke during England’s Nations League pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Spain on Saturday – and pointed to originality as the key to success.
Both Tuchel and Kane highlighted the importance of not copying Spain’s style of play and fundamentals, but rather delving into their own identity and England’s football culture.
The striker went on to suggest his side’s physicality and pressing ability will be a determining factor of this weekend’s result.
Copy never better than the original
“We need a complete performance if we want to have a chance to beat Spain,” Tuchel told Sky Sports.
“We want to be the team to beat them and we want to prove a point.
“I don’t see the value in copying Spain and think the copy can be better than the original – I don’t see the true point in it.
“That does not mean we ignore what they are doing well.”
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England’s playing style
Kane said: “The way Spain play is a culture for them, growing up playing a certain way.
“In England, it’s not so much like that.
“It doesn’t mean we can’t keep the ball or play under pressure, but we have a lot of strengths they don’t have – our physicality, pace and power.
“One of our biggest strengths is the way we press and go again and win duels.”
Focus on yourself
“They play amazingly in the way they do, but we have a lot of strengths we can showcase tomorrow night,” Kane added.
“It’s important to have our own identity and not get caught up in playing like other teams.
“It’s about being England and showing our intensity in the biggest games as well.”
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