How England could line up in Southgate’s ‘shock’ line-up against Switzerland

A hint at a possible formation change or just covering the bases before facing Switzerland?

England’s use of a three-man defence in training on Wednesday ahead of Saturday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final has certainly sparked some intrigue, inviting fans to guess the inner workings of Gareth Southgate’s mind.

The idea that the England manager could experiment now is interesting because he has so far appeared reluctant to make any changes, despite a string of disappointing performances.

Southgate has used the same 4-2-3-1 formation in his four games in Germany and made just three changes to his starting line-up, all in the same central midfield position alongside Declan Rice.

Southgate has faced persistent calls from the media and supporters to change things, but these demands have largely been for a change of personnel rather than system.

There are many calls for Cole Palmer to get more game time, with the Chelsea playmaker emerging as the ‘people’s champion’, a role occupied by James Maddison and Jack Grealish in previous tournaments.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence against Slovakia was branded “illegal” by Gary Neville, while Anthony Gordon’s absence has also drawn ire from some quarters. The Newcastle United winger has more cuts and scrapes from his cycling accident than he completed passes in Germany.

However, calls for Southgate to revert to a three-man defence have been far fewer.

Here’s why he might consider it, the potential winners and losers from a system tweak and how England might line up in their new/old form in Düsseldorf:

Why this change?

With centre-back Marc Guehi the only confirmed absentee this weekend, adapting the system would be a proactive measure to try to counter the opponent’s strengths rather than a reactive one to compensate for injuries or suspensions.

Switzerland coach Murat Yakin tweaked his attack but left the rest largely intact. The Swiss used a three-man defence in every game, with the full-backs playing high and wide.

The two wingers were mainly Silvan Widmer on the right – suspended for the round of 16 against Italy and replaced by Dan Ndoye – and Michel Aebischer on the left.

Aebischer has made a major impact in that position. A defensive midfielder for Bologna, the 27-year-old has had a big impact in attack for the Swiss, scoring once and providing two assists in the competition.

If England are to move to a three-man defence it will be in an attempt to level the playing field with their opponents, although it is of course a system that Southgate and many of his players are already familiar with.

The Three Lions used a three-man defence in all seven of their games at the 2018 World Cup and repeated it twice at Euro 2020, against Germany in the round of 16 and Italy in the final.

It is a formation they are well accustomed to and one that Southgate will hope can get the best out of his players if he decides to make the switch.

England last played with three centre-backs in September 2022 against Germany in their final game before the World Cup in Qatar.

Winners and losers

A change in training would be good news for some and bad news for others.

Kyle Walker would be an obvious winner. The 34-year-old’s attacking limitations have been exposed from right-back and if Southgate sticks to a 4-2-3-1, his starting spot will be under threat. Walker’s place would be safer in a three-man defence, given that he has played there regularly every time England have used that system.

Kieran Trippier could also benefit. The Newcastle right-back has struggled on the opposite side but is the most natural right-back in the team, which could give him the edge over Alexander-Arnold.

If Trippier is moved to his natural flank, the left-back position would be vacant. Luke Shaw is perfect for the role, but given he hasn’t started a competitive game in almost five months, it seems unlikely he’ll be left out.

Bukayo Saka played in that position for the final 30 minutes of normal time against Slovakia and would be the prime candidate to do so from the start against Switzerland. Saka has been deployed in that position before for Arsenal, but it’s clearly not a position he’s particularly keen to play given his comments last week.

Palmer could end up in either camp, depending on where Jude Bellingham is used.

If Southgate decides to move Bellingham deeper into midfield, it would free up a place in the attacking trio for Palmer alongside Harry Kane and Phil Foden. If, however, Bellingham remains in the forward position, Palmer will once again have to settle for a place on the bench.

Three ways England could line up

Option 1

(3-4-2-1): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Konsa; Trippier, Mainoo, Rice, Saka; Foden, Bellingham; Kane

Option two

(3-4-3): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Konsa; Alexander-Arnold, Bellingham, Rice, Trippier; Palmer, Kane, Foden

Option three:

(3-4-1-2): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Konsa; Trippier, Mainoo, Rice, Saka; Bellingham; Palmer, Kane