Tim Legg

The England FA receive a large amount of criticism. some harsh, some fair, such is the way of anyone or anything tasked with the running of a sport. Ten years ago the FA released their DNA vision. Gareth Southgate sat at the side of Dan Ashworth as it was unveiled to the public. Five plus years before that they had released the Future Game and the fantastic Youth Module courses. Both designed to help develop young players and impact the way that we coach at all levels. The playing structure was changed, with the introduction of a phased increase, from 5v5 to 7v7 to 9v9 then 11v11. These changes, along with the significant work done by academies have helped provide players with the talent to reach successive Euros finals. To help understand the impact - Mainoo was 9 years old the year the DNA was released. Bellingham 11, Palmer 12, Saka 12, Foden 14 and so on. They developed in an environment impacted by the DNA or the Future Game. Credit where it is due. And bring back the Youth Modules!