How will England Set up Against Switzerland?
Gareth Southgate has hinted that he may switch to a back three or five for England’s quarter-final against Switzerland on Saturday. While some may view this as a negative tactic, it may not be a bad idea, given that Ezri Konsa has just joined the team to replace Marc Guehi, who was suspended for one game.
However, that depends on who plays as the two wingbacks and whether Southgate will let them bomb forward when England attacks.
Walker As 3rd Centre-Back?
Switching to a back five involves playing three centre-backs. Kyle Walker, who usually plays as a right-back, should be the third centre-back.
I would be on for this if Southgate allows the team to press Switzerland higher on the pitch.
If England has a high defensive line with a back three, it may be difficult for Switzerland to break them down and put pressure on Jordan Pickford.
It even allows Walker to use his recovery pace if England loses possession of the ball when they are out of shape.
But Southgate must ensure the backline is not too deep and allow Switzerland to put waves of pressure on them.
That’s probably why some England fans think this is a bad idea. Although England has been solid at the back, conceding just two goals thus far, they want the team to be more on the front foot because of the squad’s amount of attacking talent.
In the World Cup quarter-final against France, England caused problems for the French by pushing up the pitch, particularly in the second half.
Saka, Shaw and Alexander Arnold As Wing Backs?
England must also stretch the pitch out by switching the play when they are on the ball.
That’s where the Liverpool and Arsenal duo could be helpful, too, whipping balls into the box for Harry Kane and Ivan Toney to get on the end of.
But they must be wary of ensuring the back three does not get exposed so quickly, with Ruben Vargas making those runs in behind.
Also, by playing someone like Trent as a right-wing-back, you can transition from defence to attack more fluidly because of his excellent range of passing.
It also allows Saka or Luke Shaw (if fit) to bomb forward from left-wing-back and become the goal-scoring threat from the more expansive areas, with Alexander Arnold switching the play from the right.
But the most important thing about playing this system is balancing defending and attacking just right.
Mainoo to Stay in Midfield
The Manchester United midfielder looked impressive, playing as the number eight in the last 16 game against Slovakia.
He, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice looked more fluid as the midfield trio, so there is no reason why that should be changed.
Although some call for Phil Foden to play there, that might be risky. Foden is naturally a forward-thinking player, increasing the risk of England getting outnumbered in midfield.
Hence, you would probably think that Southgate will be inclined to stick with that trio in Saturday’s quarter-final.
The exciting thing is how Mainoo copes with the pressure of a quarter-final.
Can he step up to the plate when it matters?
So, this is how Southgate could set his team up.
GK: Pickford
LB: Gomez/Konsa/Shaw(if fit)
CB: Stones
RB: Walker
LWB: Saka
LM: Rice
CDM: Mainoo (Gallagher to come off the bench)
RM: Bellingham
RWB Alexander-Arnold/Trippier
RW: Foden
ST Kane
LW: Palmer/Eze/Gordon
This lineup could give England the best chance of winning the Euros.
This would provide the perfect balance between attack and defence, which England and Southgate desperately need.
