Since the start of the Euros, Crystal Palace defender Guehi has partnered Stones as England’s first-choice central defensive duo, earning manager Southgate’s trust. However, after picking up a yellow card suspension, Guehi missed the quarter-final against Switzerland. Amid rumors that Southgate was considering a switch to a back three formation, the English manager and his coaching staff were reportedly furious, believing that tactical secrets had been leaked.
Perhaps in response to the lack of secrecy surrounding the potential change, an England player finally spoke out. Stones, in an interview with British media, said, “Any team that wants to progress and win must constantly improve and play better football, and that’s what we’re striving for. As players and as a team, we need to be at our best. Honestly, since the last round, we’ve used this time to become even stronger, which is fantastic.”
Regarding the shift to a back three, Stones clarified, “The idea of moving to a back three wasn’t something I suggested to Southgate; I don’t go to him with major decisions like that.” He continued, “For us, changing to a back three is no small matter, but we can easily adapt to that system. We’re confident we can do it.”
England will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on July 7th. In their previous round, England advanced with a 2-1 victory over Slovakia, thanks to late equalizer from Bellingham and a winning goal from Kane in extra time, while Switzerland comfortably eliminated defending champions Italy 2-0.
Stones: We’re Capable of Switching to a Back Three, But It Wasn’t My Idea for Southgate. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/14589.html
