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Tournament overview: systems and styles of play
Midfield Domination The top four sides all played 4-3-3 with the domination of midfield areas of upmost importance.
Varied playing style A mix of both direct and possession-based football - not one or the other - was the adopted style of the strongest and most successful teams. The best teams demonstrated excellent short and long passing games with central defenders and holding midfield players utilising excellent and varied passing ranges.
Counter-attacking from all areas There were many examples of excellent counter-attacking play throughout the tournament. France, Brazil and Portugal demonstrated excellent quick counter-attacking executed from all areas of the pitch.
Attacking interchange Brazil showed great pace, combination play and creativity in the final third whereas France always posed a threat behind the opposition through their great pace. Both France and Brazil had front players who played in all three attacking positions within the same game.
Quick regains
Winning the ball back early and delaying and preventing the opposition from playing out from the back in the final third was common throughout the tournament. Brazil were quick and determined in their efforts to regain the ball early looking to lock the ball into their opponents back third. The best defenders tried to regain possession quickly by intercepting or spoiling the play before their immediate opponent had taken a first touch.
Summary The Toulon festival represents a vital opportunity for young English players to experience tournament football against the best teams in the world, all of whom pose different challenges through varied playing styles and cultural backgrounds. At this year’s event English players gained experience playing against teams from Asia, South America and Europe.
With the event replicating some of the demands of a World Cup schedule, the experience is invaluable in educating prospective senior England players. Becoming a cohesive winning team is a long term process which should begin to be shaped as early as possible. Central to this is the accumulation of relevant and regular tournament experience through events such as the Toulon tournament.
Game management There were countless examples where South American teams managed the game effectively through tactical fouls, slowing the tempo of the game down and trying to influence the referee. Different game management methods were adopted by different countries - some of which bordered on cynicism and brashness, whereas other techniques were more cute and subtle. Such tactics are part of the South American culture and an aspect of the game English players must understand, prepare for and adapt to in tournament environments.
The Toulon Festival brings together teams from around the world and offers young players the opportunity to experience different cultures and different styles of play
Neil Dewsnip is The Football Association’s Technical Lead for the 17 to 21 age group responsible for both player development and Coach
Education for this age-range and is also England U18s coach.
Formerly Everton's U18 coach, Neil was at Goodison Park for 17 years during which time players such as Wayne Rooney, Jack Rodwell, Leon Osman and Ross Barkley all successfully progressed through the club’s Youth Development ranks.
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