There is a myriad of football formations in the modern age, some of which are universally popular such as the 4-3-3 and the 4-2-3-1. However, there are others that are decidedly more trend-driven and fleetingly popular, including the currently in-vogue 3-4-2-1 system....

The term “golden generation” has been applied to various international sides down the year, with recent iterations including the English and Portuguese teams of the noughties. While neither of these sides was able to fully realise their potential or yield the fruits...

When France won the World Cup in 2018 following a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia in the final, many believed that it could kickstart another period of dominance for Les Blues on the international stage. Ultimately, Didier Deschamps’ men couldn’t emulate the...

When Belgium slumped to a 2-1 defeat to eventual winners in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020, it appeared as though the country’s so-called “Golden Generation” had reached something of a watershed moment. While it becomes increasingly unlikely that the world’s...

Of all the footballing organisations in Europe, the KNVB in Holland is arguably the one that’s most steeped in history and heritage. Founded in 1889, it continues to organise all aspects of football in the Netherlands, from youth structures and fifth-class amateur...

With the delayed European Championships fast approaching, all eyes will be on the England national team as they look to end a 55-year major tournament drought. There’s no doubt that a heavily funded grassroots structure has been at the heart of England’s recent...

If you watch any Premier League game in the modern age (especially those involving sides such as Manchester City and Chelsea), you’ll see an increased focus on team shape both in and out of possession. This not only enables players to remain compact and press the ball...

Whenever you launch a grassroots or youth football team, there’s an aspiration that this side will ultimately fulfill its optimal potential. This isn’t always the case, however, with the Portuguese national side offering a relevant case in point. Despite the success...

Switzerland enjoyed a stellar run to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 (including a superb penalty shootout win over current world champions France), with this capturing the attention of fans from across the globe. However, this success won’t have come as a surprise to...

It’s an immense shame that England’s heartbreaking Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy resulted in such angry post-match scenes, especially as the Three Lions historic run had helped to unify much of the country during the previous three months. However, there can be no...

Grass Roots Set-up around the World - Italy While the grassroots football system in Italy hasn’t always been widely celebrated, it has begun to earn some international accolades in recent years. Most recently, the ‘Divisione Calcio Paralimpico e Sperimentale’ has won...

Grass Roots Set-up around the World We’ve already written extensively about grassroots football in Germany and Italy, with both of these nations having revamped their youth setups over the course of the last 20 years or more. Another country that has undergone a...

When Wales took on the mighty Brazil in a friendly match in May 2000, supporters were concerned about how the Welsh fullbacks would cope with the brilliant wing play of players like Cafu, Ze Roberto and the precocious Denilson. Fortunately, Mark Hughes had an answer,...

It’s fair to say that Germany entered Euro 2000 in high spirits, with the team focused on defending the title that they won in England at the end of the 1996 tournament. However, the German’s hotly-anticipated defence was left in tatters after just three group stage...

Grassroots football has come under incredible focus lately, particularly with the proposed formation of the European Super League and its potential impact on the existing pyramid structure in England. However, we’ve seen billions pumped into grassroots systems...