An England legend is today urging Gareth Southgate to rip up his usual system and smash the Swiss.
Excitement is building as the clock ticks down to England’s quarter final against Switzerland on Saturday evening.
A win will see the Three Lions move into the Semi-Finals, and one step closer to bringing football home.
And despite an uninspiring performance against Slovenia, ex-England star Viv Anderson says there are reasons to be optimistic.
The former Manchester United and Arsenal defender believes Southgate needs to ditch the traditional 4-4-2 – and mix things up.
Viv, who won 30 caps for England, is now a leading diversity and inclusion speaker and has been watching the tournament closely.
The revered former right-back said: “The Slovenia match was very frustrating, it was a real edge of the seat stuff. But we got there in the end, even if it was a bit too close for comfort for me.
“This time I’d really like to see England go out and play with a bit more freedom and put on a performance that really makes the rest of Europe sit up and take note.
“I’d urge Gareth to change his formation. I know he likes 4-4-2 and it’s served him well. But I think we can win the game with wing backs. I’d select three centre backs, Walker, Stones and Konsa.
“Then, as this may surprise a few people, I’d have Palmer and Saka as my wing-backs.
“Yes, it’s really attacking, but with Mainoo and Rice sitting in there, I think we will have enough protection. Ahead of them, I’d like to see Foden and Bellingham playing behind Kane. In terms of match-winners I know Jude got all the headlines last time but, this weekend, I think Foden can step up and be the star.”
Pinpointing where the dangers will emerge from in terms of the Swiss threat, Viv continued: “Switzerland are a good team. Their front three are very strong, and very direct, so defensively we must play well. Xhaka has been outstanding in this tournament, rounding off a fantastic season with Bayer Leverkusen. But I am going to opt for 3-1 to England.”
Asked if he thinks England can go all the way and the Euros, Viv added: “Of course I do, I’m always the optimist when it comes to England winning trophies. As for Gareth and his future? Look, let’s wait and see what happens, it’s a hard job being the England manager.”
Viv’s team:
Pickford
Walker
Stones
Guehi
Trippier
Palmer
Rice
Bellingham
Gordon
Foden
Kane
To understand more about Viv’s thoughts, follow him at the Champions Speakers Agency
