Gareth Southgate is expected to recall Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier to England’s starting line-up for Sunday’s Euro 2020 final against Italy.
Trippier has not started a game since the 16th victory over Germany, where he was placed as a right-back as England switched to a 3-4-3 to counter the threat of wing-backs Robin Gosens and Joshua Kimmich.
Trippier impressed against Germany / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images
Well, according to The Telegraph, we’ll see something similar. Trippier is expected to return to the starting line-up against Italy, with a switch back to a three-man defense also on the cards.
Trippier’s return is expected at the expense of Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, who started the semi-final victory over Denmark but now seems ready to return to the bench.
In addition to figuring out which formation to use, Southgate must also make a final decision on the suitability of Manchester City’s Phil Foden, who missed training on Saturday with a knock and is unlikely to start on the right wing either.
There is not much other team news around, only that Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is expected to continue his trend of coming off the bench.
Returning to a 3-4-3 formation is a bold cry from Southgate, who have had much success with the 4-2-3-1 formation that has led England to this point.
The three-man defense was impressive against Germany but was designed specifically to counter Joachim Low’s side, who played with the same attitude and boasted two of the best wingers on the planet.
Southgate is not afraid to tip with his formation / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images
Italy have played a 4-3-3 so far this summer and most would argue that their strength is not wide but rather in midfield, where Jorginho, Marco Verratti and Nicolo Barella have picked teams with each other with ease.
So far, Southgate has not made much of a mistake in this tournament, so fans will have to rely on his methods in hopes of winning his first major trophy since 1966.
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