The manager appears to have settled on a 3-4-3 setup but he needs back-up for the two Harrys – Maguire and Kane
It was easy to see the drab 1-1 Wembley draw against Hungary in October as a turning point – or, at least, the moment when Gareth Southgate appeared more convinced than ever about how to set his team up, when he could feel clarity, a faith in his instincts. He had picked the team that most fans wanted to see – two progressive No 8s in a 4-3-3 (Phil Foden and Mason Mount) – and
England were poor. By the end, Southgate had reverted to 3-4-3 with two central midfield bolts and he doubled down on the approach in this month’s ties, using it at the outset against Albania and even San Marino.
It has reawakened the discussion about whether Southgate risks frittering away the attacking riches at his disposal but, to him, it is not about fantasy; it never has been. It is about stability and balance plus the ability to turn the dial in a progressive direction when required. Expect those tweaks against weaker opposition – Bukayo Saka at left-wing back, for example; Foden or Mount in central midfield. But can it win the very biggest games? Southgate is convinced it can, with the wing-backs fundamental. The talent is certainly there while the experience and ultimate pain of Euro 2020 will stand England in good stead. The excitement is palpable. DH