ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate must have a serious look at Italy’s unlikely draw with Spain — and consider playing THREE Lions at the back.
Hold on, hear me out first. That’s right the old 3-5-2 or 5-3-2.
Not against Malta and Slovenia this week. But caretaker Southgate could work on this in the months ahead.
England lack centre-halves, sure. But they have four marauding full-backs in Kyle Walker, Nathaniel Clyne, Danny Rose and Luke Shaw.
Italy were dreadful for 80 minutes against Spain. But this uninspiring side could prove an inspiration.
Bottom line? Their “five” STILL did the job.
If England tried it out they might ease pressure on the defence through attacking dominance.
Unlike the Azzurri we have talent in our front five. Pace, energy, verve.
Dele Alli, Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane all play for great attacking managers.
Not all three have to be defenders. Eric Dier as a sweeper with John Stones and Chris Smalling?
Worth a look, surely.
It was not Antonio Conte who introduced the system for Italy.
Cesare Prandelli used it in the Euro 2012 and Italy reached the final.
Yes, they lost 4-0 to Spain but Conte’s “five” also beat the Spaniards in the last Euros.
Italians are tactical snobs.
But Prandelli was not considered “vulgar” — because he deployed midfielder Daniele De Rossi as a sweeper. And we have Dier.
Conte bedded in the legendary three-man back-line that he had at Juventus.
While Juve were dominant because of great foreign full-backs, Italy were solid.
England have the full-backs, if not quite the defenders. But we have the attacking potential which Italy don’t.
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