Gareth Southgate and England’s tactical approach has been a hot topic of discussion at Euro 2024, with the team’s lackluster performances sparking debate. Despite deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation in their first four games, a change in strategy may be on the cards for their quarter-final clash against Switzerland.
Southgate has been steadfast in his lineup choices, utilizing only 13 unique starters across the tournament, 10 of whom have featured in every match. However, the suspension of center back Marc Guehi forces Southgate’s hand, potentially prompting a shift to a 3-4-3 formation.
This formation holds fond memories for England fans, having guided the Three Lions to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final. Yet, it’s worth noting that Southgate has favored a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 approach since September 2021, shortly after their penalty shootout heartbreak in the delayed Euro 2020 final.
While he briefly revisited 3-4-3 in late 2021, it was short-lived, lasting only two games. Since then, England has predominantly stuck with a back four, with their last outing in a 3-4-3 formation being a 3-3 draw with Germany in the UEFA Nations League almost two years ago.
Reverting to a 3-4-3 makes sense given the team’s past successes, but personnel changes could be a factor. Southgate’s trusted trio of John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Kyle Walker from the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 are no longer a guaranteed trio, with Maguire’s absence from the squad particularly notable.
With alternatives like Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, and Ezri Konsa waiting in the wings, Southgate has options to fill the void left by Guehi. However, the question remains whether adding another center back will bolster their attack or hinder it.
A comparison of England’s recent records with a back four versus a 3-4-3 reveals intriguing results. In their last 23 matches with a back four, they scored 48 goals (avg. 2.09 per game) and won 13, drew 7, and lost 3. In contrast, their last 23 games in a 3-4-3 saw them net 45 times (avg. 1.96) with 12 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses.
While these numbers should be interpreted with caution due to varying opposition strength, they do suggest that a tactical shift for the Switzerland game might not be as risky as some believe.
- England have only lined up in a 3-4-3 formation once in their last 30 matches
- Gareth Southgate could revert to his once-favored system against Switzerland
- Listen to the Euros Daily podcast: How much of a risk is it for England to play with three at the back?
Gareth Southgate and the England squad find themselves at a tactical crossroads as they prepare for their Euro 2024 quarter-final showdown with Switzerland. The team’s strategy and performances have come under scrutiny, and a change in formation could be on the cards.
Southgate has been steadfast in his lineup choices thus far, deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation in each of England’s first four games at the tournament. His reluctance to make changes is evident, as only 13 different players have started for the Three Lions in Germany, with 10 of those featuring in every match.
However, circumstances may force Southgate’s hand. Center back Marc Guehi’s suspension means a change in defense is inevitable, and there is speculation that Southgate could opt for an additional central defender, reverting to the 3-4-3 formation that brought success at the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020.
Indeed, England’s training session this week saw them line up in a 3-4-3 shape, fueling speculation about a tactical shift. This formation holds fond memories for England fans, having guided the team to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and within a penalty shootout of continental glory at Euro 2020.
England manager Gareth Southgate considers a formation change for the Switzerland match
Marc Guehi is suspended for the quarter-final against Switzerland
While the 3-4-3 formation has brought past successes, it’s important to acknowledge that Southgate has primarily favored a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 approach since September 2021, just two months after England’s penalty shootout heartbreak in the delayed Euro 2020 final. He briefly revisited the 3-4-3 strategy in late 2021, but it was short-lived, lasting only two games.
Since then, England has played 30 games, starting with a back four in all but one of them. The exception was a 3-3 draw with Germany in the UEFA Nations League nearly two years ago. It’s worth noting that Southgate’s trusted defensive trio of John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Kyle Walker from the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 campaigns is no longer a guaranteed fixture, with Maguire’s absence from the squad particularly notable.
Guehi could be replaced by Lewis Dunk, Ezri Konsa, or Joe Gomez
Harry Maguire, pictured right with John Stones at the 2022 World Cup, is not in the squad
The prospect of adding another central defender to a team that has looked uninspired in attack thus far may worry some fans. However, others argue that it could enhance their attacking prowess by allowing the backline to push higher up the field with greater confidence.
A statistical comparison of England’s recent records with a back four versus a 3-4-3 formation provides interesting insights. In their last 23 matches with a back four, England scored 48 goals, averaging 2.09 per game, and achieved 13 wins, 7 draws, and 3 losses. In contrast, their last 23 games in a 3-4-3 formation saw them net 45 times, averaging 1.96 goals per game, with 12 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses.
While these numbers should be interpreted with caution due to varying opposition strength, they do suggest that a tactical shift for the Switzerland game might not be as detrimental as some may fear. Considering Southgate’s recent preference for a back four against less challenging opponents, the similar records indicate that a formation change could be a viable option for England’s quarter-final clash.