IT might be time for England to try something different at these Euros. Maybe Gareth Southgate will want to start the quarter-final against Switzerland in a 4-4-2 formation, with Ivan Toney alongside Harry Kane up front. I think it might work, and if Gareth feels the same, he should do it.
This is the time when, as a manager at a tournament, you have to trust your gut instinct and never hold back from unpopular decisions. The quarter-finals are make-or-break time. Win and you’re in the last four and everyone respects you.
Lose and it’s not acceptable for big nations like England , Germany , France and Spain . England are facing the best Swiss team of all time on Saturday. They will be difficult opponents and this is certain to be another real drama, perhaps as dramatic as Sunday’s emotional rollercoaster against the Slovaks .
I understand there can be snobbery about playing a 4-4-2 but sometimes you have to do something different. And I liked the look of Toney when he came on against Slovakia. The 4-2-3-1 has now become the standard formation — since Spain who won three tournaments in a row in 2008, 2010 and 2012.
Most clubs and countries have adopted it but what if it’s not working? You always have to have an open mind. If you change formation and it doesn’t work, you can switch back. I lived my whole career as a striker playing in a 4-4-2 system.
For instance, when I played up front with Teddy Sheringham at Spurs , I was the happiest man in the world having my m.
