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

Thomas Tuchel, manager of the English national team, has suggested that the team's struggles to win major tournaments may be due to a lack of possession-oriented play, which is more prevalent in the playing styles of Spanish, Argentinian, and Brazilian teams. In response to England's disappointing performance at the 2022 World Cup, the Football Association (FA) has introduced a change to youth football that could potentially alter the DNA of the English game.

This new approach involves reducing the number of players on the field from 11 to 3, creating a 3v3 format for children under the age of seven.

The FA's decision to adopt the 3v3 format is based on research conducted in collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University. The study analyzed over 400 games from under-6 to under-14 level and found that when players have more touches of the ball, they are more engaged in the game, make more decisions, and are more physically active. The main goal of this initiative is to make the game more enjoyable for young players, focusing on fun rather than tactics or competitiveness.

The implementation of the 3v3 format has not been without challenges. Coaches have noted logistical issues, such as needing more volunteers and managing multiple games simultaneously. Additionally, there are concerns about the development of goalkeepers, as the format eliminates the need for goalkeepers and substitutes. However, the FA believes that these concerns can be addressed and that the benefits of the format outweigh the drawbacks.

Parents and children have generally welcomed the new format, finding it more enjoyable and easier to participate in. The 3v3 format allows for more opportunities to score goals and dribble past opponents, providing a more active and engaging experience for young players. Despite the concerns surrounding goalkeeper development, the FA remains confident that the 3v3 format will not negatively impact the growth of future goalkeepers, citing examples of players who have successfully transitioned from outfield positions to goalkeeping at later stages of their careers.