England train in new formation as Southgate considers major change

GARETH SOUTHGATE is considering switching to a back three against Switzerland.

The squad today practised a back three in training as they prepare for Saturday's quarter-final.

It was the first time England have practised this formation in Germany.

Switzerland played with a back three and England also struggled against Serbia and Denmark who also played with the same set-up.

This could see Kyle Walker switch to central defence with either Kieran Trippier or Trent Alexander-Arnold at right wing-back.

Potentially, Bukayo Saka or Luke Shaw if fit could move to left wing-back.

With Marc Guehi suspended Ezri Konsa is currently first in line to replace the defender.

But it could be as part of a new-look back three with John Stones in the centre and Kyle Walker on the right.

Moving to a back three will give Southgate the option to start with either two strikers although he has preferred to play with two attacking players behind Kane.

And fans could see Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden start as two number 10s behind Kane with the depth coming from England’s wing-backs.

Not to mention Jude Bellingham could be suspended after his X-rated celebration after the Slovakia game.

If the Real Madrid star was to be banned this could see Southgate play a 4-3-1-2 formation with Toney and Kane upfront and Foden as a No10.

England notably played with a back three at the World Cup in 2018 and also during some matches at Euro 2020 - including the final.

The Three Lions still have two more training sessions this week and could stick with a back four but it is clear a back three is being seriously considered.

Ivan Toney was thrown onto the pitch next to Kane in the Slovakia game but snubbed to answer when asked if Southgate had looked at two strikers in training this week.

The Brentford ace said: “You’ll have to ask the gaffer.

"We concentrate more on the opposition we’re coming up against, so we do more movements and repetitions on them.

“I am not the manager. Obviously, I would like to be playing as a two, but that is the gaffer and his choice.

"We have to respect that and go with that. Everyone wants to play, whether that is a two or as one I will do my best for the squad.”