'Not in our DNA' - will 3v3 change the future of English football?

In the wake of England's disappointing World Cup performance, England manager Thomas Tuchel highlighted the importance of ball possession in winning major tournaments, stating that it's "not in our DNA like it is in the Spanish, Argentinian or Brazilian DNA." In an effort to address this perceived weakness, the Football Association (FA) has introduced a new format for youth football aimed at changing the "DNA" of the English game.

Historically, children of all ages played 11v11 matches on full-sized pitches. However, in 1999, the FA started implementing small-sided variations for younger age groups. By the end of the 2018 season, the smallest variation for children under seven was 3v3. This format eliminated goalkeepers and referees, encouraging more touches of the ball, decision-making, and physical activity.

The FA conducted two years of research involving over 400 games from under-6 to under-14 levels, demonstrating that players with more touches of the ball are more engaged and physically active. Despite some logistical challenges, coaches and players have generally shown positive responses to the new format. Parents have reported improvements in their children's dribbling, passing, and defensive skills, as well as increased enjoyment of the game.

While concerns have been raised about the lack of goalkeepers in the 3v3 format, the FA assures that goalkeepers will return at the 5v5 level. The 3v3 format is expected to last for 12 months before goalkeepers reappear. The FA believes that the benefits of the new format will not be fully evident for a few years, but they are confident that the format will ultimately improve the development of English footballers.

England is not alone in adopting the 3v3 format, as it is already in use in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and other countries. The format is growing in popularity worldwide, and the FA believes that once people experience the benefits, they will become converts to the new way of playing.