da esoccer bet： Gareth Southgate is reportedly thinking of new roles for Phil Foden & Jude Bellingham as he is ready to "rip up" his previous Euro 2024 plans.
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Southgate ready to shake things upFacing Switzerland next at Euro 2024Foden & Bellinham to get new rolesWHAT HAPPENED?
Southgate is preparing to drastically alter his Euro 2024 game plan and has been exploring various formations and roles during training sessions. According to reports from , he has experimented with multiple setups to identify the best combination for his players. A key change under consideration is the switch to a three centre-back formation in the absence of Marc Guehi, something England has not employed in a competitive match since their Euro 2020 final against Italy. This potential formation would see John Stones, Ezri Konsa, and Kyle Walker as the central defenders, with Walker's pace providing a crucial defensive sweep against Swiss attacks.
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Bellingham's role in the team remains a focal point of Southgate's tactical puzzle. One of the most intriguing possibilities is deploying Bellingham and Foden as dual No. 10s, allowing them to drive the attack from central positions. The manager is also contemplating positioning Bellingham as a No. 8, deeper than his usual No. 10 role at Real Madrid. However, concerns about Bellingham's positional discipline in this unfamiliar role have emerged, given his long-term playstyle as a more advanced midfielder.
Southgate must consider how to balance the team's offensive and defensive responsibilities. There is a risk that allowing both Bellingham and Foden too much freedom could lead to positional overlaps and inefficiencies, an issue that has already surfaced in previous matches. An alternative under consideration is pairing Kobbie Mainoo or Conor Gallagher with Declan Rice in a defensive midfield setup. This approach would provide stability but might limit the team's offensive potential.
DID YOU KNOW?
Southgate's options extend to potentially fielding a 3-5-2 formation, which would place Ivan Toney alongside Harry Kane in attack. However, Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen may struggle to fit into this system, with Cole Palmer possibly being used as a substitute in the No. 10 role.
The tactical rethink also involves determining the best players for the wing-back positions. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bukayo Saka, Kieran Trippier, and Eberechi Eze are all in contention for these roles, with Luke Shaw also being considered. The choice of wing-backs will play a critical role in providing the width and dynamism that Southgate seeks to implement. This flexibility could result in formations such as 3-4-3, 3-5-2, or 3-4-2-1, depending on the specific match circumstances and player performances in training.
WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?
England's closed training session on Thursday was a crucial period for Southgate to refine his new tactical plans. The manager's readiness to adapt and implement significant changes reflects his response to external pressures and his commitment to optimizing England's chances in the tournament. As the team heads into the quarter-final against Switzerland on Saturday, fans are eager to see how these alleged tactical adjustments will unfold on the pitch.