Is England's Footballing failure in their DNA?

A last-minute screamer from Croatian youngster Domagoj Bradarić denied England a spot in the knockout stages of the U21 EUROS. England won the match but lacklustre performances throughout the tournament was concerning from a pool of highly rated English talent. So, does the issue lie with the team or is it embedded in the England DNA?

The England DNA, designed by the FA, outlines the core principles and expectations of how football should be played at all levels in England. It sets out a brand of fast, fluid and flexible football, with teams expected to play from the back, maintain possession and work hard for 90 minutes.

Although idealistic in theory, its application is hindering English football.

Its limitations are laid bare at the roots of the country’s football.

Luke Harrison, a player on the cusp of first-team football for semi-pro side Wyrley United FC. Had his early development accelerated by playing at academy level with Walsall FC. It was here Luke was first taught to “play passing football” and avoid “taking players on” as instructed by the England DNA.

“Playing at academy level helped me become more confident in my ability” but discouraged him from using the individual skill and trickery he possessed from a young age.

Now, Luke plays in a system that mirrors playing the England way. In a formation that adopts that of the current England setup. A winger by trade, in order to progress from the reserves, Luke has had to convert into a wingback role.

Luke in action for Wyrley United FC

Adapting is a part of football but it “definitely limits player individuality and coaches are realistically creating robots that fit the system.”

As a result, players are left in limbo as Luke outlines “you have to make a massive impression and do something that the players in that position aren’t doing whilst also ensuring you fit into the team system.”

This dilemma arises for every youth prospect, throughout the country. “The pressure is very high” for all youngsters including Luke, aiming to break into their respective teams but this is amplified when forced to fit a mould yet still show their individual capability.

For many this task stifles the growth of their careers whilst for some like Trent Alexander-Arnold, it has allowed them to reinvent a role around their abilities.

Luke believes following the England DNA “helps reserve/youth players slot into teams straight away when needed” but at the same time compromises diversity throughout football considering “grassroots teams in the league all play the same system.”

Luke is beginning to establish himself in the First team.

At the top, “seeing the lack of success from England sides shows how playing one system doesn’t always work.” Emphasised by the U21's Euros exit.

In a team game where individuals ultimately make the difference, discouraging players from expressing themselves from a young age seems counterintuitive in the long run for English football.

Designed to be flexible but instead a rigid formula for players, exposes a huge flaw in English football. Foreign talent, brought in for their skilfulness are adored. Whilst native talents are forced to suppress the very same traits for the sake of a system ‘designed for England’s progression’.

Hidden behind pride and a few poster-boy talents labelled ‘products of the system’ is a dilemma crippling the potential of millions of players across the country. The problem? Playing the England way.