DNA, Identity, Routines

It's often said that a team is well-drilled when their routines, both defensive and offensive, are clearly evident. Following the first round of the 2026 World Cup, two teams have stood out in terms of their established routines: Argentina and England.

Neither team is flawless. However, both dominate most phases and moments of the game, thanks to well-rehearsed routines built upon a strong DNA and a clear identity.

Scaloni maintains the aura that led him to guide Messi to a World Cup title. His Argentina continues to exhibit a collective playing philosophy, demonstrating solidarity without the ball (high energy and mental readiness in reaction to losing possession) and multifaceted play with it.

Operating in a 1x4x4x2 diamond formation, they concentrate players in the central corridor to dominate and control the game from these positions. Contrary to typical play, they don't draw opponents in to then spread wide. Instead, they draw opponents in to fix markers, allowing Messi to emerge between the lines and orchestrate the final meters of the Argentine attack.

While Messi's influence and importance in the team's offensive maneuvers are undeniable, they don't solely rely on finding their captain at every turn. De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister, Almada, and Lautaro Martinez also take charge of the game. They think the game, and they look to define plays. They may not possess Messi's messianic gift, but they are active participants in the Albiceleste's offensive moments.

Tuchel assembled his squad with a clear vision: to be proactive through control and dominance with the ball, and to be aggressive in reacting to turnovers and in defensive transitions. England demonstrated precisely this against Croatia. They wanted possession, knew how to keep it, and secured a victory in one of the most well-contested matches of this World Cup so far.

Despite having less time to work with the squad compared to Scaloni, the German coach quickly established the identity he wanted to see in the English national team. The 1x4x2x3x1 is the tactical starting point for a positional game in which Harry Kane plays a vital role.

The forward both plays and facilitates play, attacks and defends, assists and finishes, all within a collective game plan that respects the characteristics of the English players.

It is precisely at this point that Scaloni and Tuchel align. Both understand the resources at their disposal. Both have defined a clear path in accordance with those resources. Both coach their teams following that defined path, always considering what they have to work with.

It's no surprise, therefore, that both manage national teams with a distinct DNA, identity, and well-established routines.