Phil McNulty's assessment cuts to the heart of England's recent performance, capturing a team that has rediscovered something lost in recent tournament cycles. The BBC's chief football writer observes an England side displaying both creative ambition and defensive solidity, a combination that has eluded them through various managerial eras.
The emphasis on "fun" signals a departure from the cautious, grinding football that defined earlier phases under previous regimes. England's attacking intent has accelerated noticeably. The midfield orchestration appears sharper. The fullbacks push higher with purpose. This represents a structural shift toward proactive football rather than reactive containment.
McNulty's praise reflects a broader narrative change. England has cycled through managers and tactical philosophies, but the through-line complaint has often centered on conservative game management and predictable patterns. A team laden with attacking talent at Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal should express that quality on the international stage.
The timing matters. With major tournaments looming, England's federation needs evidence that the squad can translate club-level excellence into sustained tournament performance. Recent Euros and World Cups have ended in heartbreak for the Three Lions. Psychological momentum carries weight in football.
The mention of years without this version signals McNulty sees structural improvement, not a temporary blip. Whether this reflects a new manager's philosophy, tactical adjustments, or simply confidence flowing through the squad after recent wins, the observation centers on consistency and intent. England's attacking players now seem empowered to dictate play rather than execute set instructions.
This England team appears to have rediscovered entertainment value alongside competitive substance. That dual output rarely happens by accident. It suggests either coaching clarity or player maturity, likely both. McNulty's assessment provides encouragement heading into fixture congestion and competitive tournaments.