Spending time in the NFL and studying Germany and Spain’s World Cup wins has helped England improve their set-pieces, says manager Gareth Southgate. England have scored more goals from free-kicks or corners than anyone else during the World Cup group stages. “When we analysed Spain and Germany in particular, they were probably better at set-plays than the perception might have been,” Southgate said. “They were a bigger factor in them winning than maybe people realised.” England play Belgium on Thursday in their final Group G match, with both sides having already qualified for the last 16. The Three Lions have had 16 attempts at goal from set-pieces in their opening two matches, more than anyone else. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live’s World Cup Daily Podcast, Southgate said: “Set-plays are a high percentage of goals scored and goals conceded. In tournaments that seems to become even more important. “Both Spain and Germany play fabulous football but when you looked at how many set-play goals they’d scored - or in Spain’s case, how few they’d conceded - that was definitely a key part of them being successful.” Southgate visited NFL side Seattle Seahawks and attended two Super Bowls prior to the World Cup. “You’re always learning and we had the chance to interact with lots of different coaches,” Southgate said. “Some that travelled out went into think tanks on various different issues on managing people and leadership and detail within games. “You’re always trying to bring new ideas to your team and new ways of thinking, and anything that can possibly add to what you’re delivering.”
