Somehow England have survived manager Gareth Southgate’s tactical muddle to still have the chance to put matters right in the tournament.
Southgate, who will take charge of his 100th game as manager against the Swiss, has overseen a mess in midfield, which saw the failed “experiment” of using Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold alongside Declan Rice ditched just after half-time in the second Group C game against Denmark. Conor Gallagher then lasted only 45 minutes when he replaced Alexander-Arnold in the next game against Slovenia.
Phil Foden has been a threat, but often forced to drift around the margins on the left-hand side, meaning moments of individual brilliance from Bellingham primarily have sent England into the last eight.
Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo performed creditably against Slovakia but once again the team looked unbalanced, uninspired and extremely fortunate to win after another dismal display.
This appears to have convinced Southgate of the need for urgent change – a luxury he is fortunate to still have given England’s showings in Germany.
And that means a switch to back three, somewhat enforced by defender Marc Guehi’s suspension. It is also a chance to give England more balance, potency and the opportunity to get the best out of what is, at first glance, an array of attacking riches.
Southgate could also form a golden triangle between Foden, Bellingham and Harry Kane giving England more shape and structure.
He was in defiant mood on Friday as he said: “As a 53-year-old, I’m not worried about losing or about things going wrong. The downsides for me are irrelevant.
“It about going for it. That’s the mindset and it has been my mindset throughout the tournament.”
This is a chance England and Southgate are lucky to have – but they must raise their game several levels to take it.
