Bit early for the Match Day Thread, but it sounds like we could be going with three at the back with Trent and either Shaw/Saka as the wing backs. Walker/Stones/Konsa as a back 3. This was the formation Southgate used in 2018 on our way to the WC Semis, with Trippier and Ashley Young as wing backs.
One of the journos who has covered the England Camp throughout the tournament has written an article regarding it - he's watched us train etc, so I can only presume theyve spent a lot of time playing this system. He reckons its because Southgate doesn't want to put Konsa (or Dunk) as part of a back 2 - and with 3 centre backs there's less pressure. Can't find a link to the article though ffs.
His attacking output is generational. Sublime naturally gifted footballer. Should have no issues starting him with 3 centre halves playing. Wing back is his best position, especially when he can ping balls to pacey wingers...
Always interesting to see how the squad is set up. Its not so much the formation for me though its more the intent and mindset that Southgate has instilled in the team. Are they going to sit or attack and move? If they score first will they drop back? I don't trust Southgate to have ANY formation working to its optimum, most fluid level. He's tactically inept in my view and got lucky again last match. Of course if they do play well and Southgate by some miracle gets them playing as a unit instead of a collection of bunnies in headlights I'll hold my hands up and say well done to him...
I think it's unfair to call him lucky. If the last match was a one off, then fair enough. But he's won more tournament knockout games than every manager since 1966 combined. Thats not luck.
Get rid of this 1 up top malarkey. We only ever looked like scoring v Slovakia when Toney came on alongside Kane
I see your point. I do. Because we dont live in a parallel universe though we can never say if they'd have won tournaments without Southgate. I think they would have done because of what I've watched his teams do but there's no way I can prove it. You're correct about the stats as well. I dont think I'm being overly harsh calling England lucky last game though - they were very laboured the entire match and it was an overhead punt out of nowhere that saved the day. Didn't really look like scoring beforehand. Opinions eh?