One reason Gareth Southgate may shift to a back three is his concern that an overworked Declan Rice could be outnumbered in midfield if England played a 4-3-3.
The West Ham man could find himself with an opponent on either side due to Switzerland’s fluid carousel system, which can transform into an old-school WM formation. This is achieved by coach Murat Yakin deploying two extra midfielders during the match.
At times, their forwards, Fabian Rieder and Ruben Vargas, drop deep to fill these roles. On other occasions, the wing-backs, Dan Ndoye and Michel Aebischer, move inside from their flanks, an unusual but highly effective tactic. England must be prepared for this fluidity.
Although Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign was disappointing, they posed more problems to Switzerland than Germany or Italy did, thanks to their back three. Of all Switzerland’s opponents, it was the Scots who gave them the toughest test.
Scotland’s performance against Switzerland has shown England a path to victory.
Scotland’s back three caused issues for Switzerland.
A change in formation could benefit Declan Rice.
Scotland’s strategy involved Anthony Ralston and Andy Robertson, their left and right wing-backs, pushing up to mark their Swiss counterparts. Scott McTominay screened the two midfield sitters and blocked passes to Granit Xhaka, also pressing alongside Che Adams and John McGinn.
To press high, you need your three center-backs to maintain a high line, and two of them must be ready to track Swiss forwards if they drop deep. Scotland forced Switzerland into more errors than any other opponent at Euro 2024, and were disappointed to only draw.
Adopting a 3-4-3, England could field Kyle Walker and Ezri Konsa alongside John Stones, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bukayo Saka as wing-backs. Conor Gallagher, an excellent ball-winner, could partner Rice, with Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden supporting Harry Kane.
Kyle Walker and Ezri Konsa could feature in a back three.
Martin Keown expects Conor Gallagher to partner Rice.
Swiss System Suits Xhaka
Switzerland’s 3-4-2-1, similar to Bayer Leverkusen’s, suits Granit Xhaka, who acts as a coach on the pitch. He directs teammates, ordering wingers wide or central. His recent displays make him one of the game’s top midfielders.
Against Germany, Xhaka marked Ilkay Gundogan, limiting his influence. He could do the same to Jude Bellingham.
Switzerland, unbeaten in 2024, know this system inside-out. If England match their formation, they must beat them at their own game to reach the semis.