As Gareth Southgate and his players reconvene for the final time ahead of this summer’s Euro 2024, this month’s international break could see him attempt to field a tournament starting XI. We explore what is the best England formation, and how to get the best out of a star-studded squad.
What is the best England formation?
Gareth Southgate has made his preference for a 4-3-3 clear, setting up the side in that system through the World Cup in Qatar. With the most expensive team at Euro 2024, England’s ability to chop and change is clear for all to see.
The fulcrum of the team appears to be a dazzling midfield pairing of Ballon D’or favourite Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. Everything positive will come through them, and any opposition danger snuffed out.
The most pressing question, therefore, is who completes England’s midfield trio. Southgate has previously experimented with Trent Alexander-Arnold in a deep-lying playmaker role, and to great effect. Whether he is comfortable enough to play there in a major tournament is a different question entirely however.
James Maddison is an obvious choice to play just ahead of Rice and Bellingham, but Southgate has typically opted for more conservative midfields throughout his tenure.
Elsewhere, Harry Maguire remains one of Southgate’s most loyal generals. Despite Joe Gomez enjoying a renaissance at Liverpool and Jarred Branthwaite breaking through at Everton, he should keep his spot in the starting line-up.
Assuming all the players are declared fit enough to start in June, Southgate’s squad could look a little bit like this:
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Kyle Walker
CB: Harry Maguire
CB: John Stones
LB: Luke Shaw
CDM: Declan Rice
CM: Jude Bellingham
CM: Trent Alexander-Arnold
LW: Phil Foden
ST: Harry Kane
RW: Bukayo Saka
Where Does Phil Foden Play For England?
Phil Foden has been exceptional this season for Manchester City, with Gary Neville suggesting that Southgate could, and should, build the team around him.
The question remains as to whether Foden is more effective in a central role, or drifting in from the wing.
His role has largely been limited to playing on the wing for England, but the abundance of wide players at Southgate’s disposal – not least Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon – could free up a leading role in the middle for Foden.
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Kyle Walker
CB: Harry Maguire
CB: John Stones
LB: Luke Shaw
CM: Declan Rice
CM: Jude Bellingham
LW: Anthony Gordon
CAM: Phil Foden
RW: Bukayo Saka
ST: Harry Kane
Gordon on the left is the natural choice, but his inexperience at major tournaments could throw a spanner in the works. Marcus Rashford likely earns a place on the left despite a faltering season.
How else has Southgate lined up previously?
Southgate did opt for playing three at the back in the 2018 World Cup. The midfield was supported by two attacking full backs that supplied the front three and the back three in equal measure. This worked out well enough as England reached the semi-final.
Here’s how it’d look in June if Southgate decided to go back to that formation:
GK; Jordan Pickford
CB: Kyle Walker
CB: Harry Maguire
CB: Joe Gomez
RWB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
LWB: Luke Shaw
CM: Declan Rice
CM: Jude Bellingham
LW: Phil Foden
ST: Harry Kane
RW: Bukayo Saka
What is Southgate’s most successful formation?
The change to 4-3-3 has done the trick for Southgate so far. Since 2021, Southgate’s win percentage has increased from 58.9% to 62.4%.
He is just behind Fabio Capello in win percentages – the Italian leads with 66.7%.
England look a lot more confident at the back with the 4-3-3 and the only thing left for Southgate to work out is what is his best team? Who is a guaranteed starter? Who’s going to be the player to finally bring it home?
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