The England national football team's defensive strategy has drawn comparisons to Iowa's approach, with a focus on controlling the pace of the game and relying on defensive responsibility. This style of play is reminiscent of Iowa's patented shot play late in the third quarter, where they pick and choose when to make their move. England's approach to attacking is conservative, with a focus on picking and choosing when to make their move, rather than taking risks. This approach has led to England allowing just two goals since March of 2025 through its World Cup qualifying matches and a handful of friendlies. The team has maintained at least 70% of the possession in all 10 of those matches, showcasing their ability to control the game. This is a key aspect of England's style, as they look to possess the ball as long as possible and make it difficult for opponents to create momentum on offense. The team's reliance on defensive responsibility and ability to control the pace of the game has drawn comparisons to Iowa's approach, making them a formidable opponent on the field.