England should play three at the back with Eric Dier as a sweeper and let full-backs run riot
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.
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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They play five out of necessity. In the end, survival instinct and subs Ciro Immobile and Andrea Belotti did enough to cause Sergio Ramos to bring down Eder.
It allowed De Rossi (a sweeper in front of the three on this occasion) to level from the spot.
Italy were still in the game thanks to the five-man defence.
So why try it? Firstly, England have an easy group to bed it in.
Secondly, expert Conte works a few miles south of Wembley at Chelsea’s training ground.
Conte would surely be willing to talk to Southgate if asked.
Thirdly, England would benefit mostly in midfield thanks to the lungs, pace and talent of our quartet of full-backs.
That in theory could give us the edge in key matches, like Conte’s Italy did against Spain in the last Euros.
Instead of five at the back we’d be playing SEVEN up front.
Lastly this. The Three Lions’ greatest success since 1966 was reaching the 1990 World Cup semi-finals.
And how many defenders did Bobby Robson play? That’s Wright, FIVE. Sweeper Mark Wright, that is.
Where was this tournament held, again?
GRAZIANO PELLE has been axed for Italy’s game against Macedonia tomorrow after coach Giampiero Ventura accused him of “disrespect” for not shaking his hand after being subbed on Thursday against Spain.
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