Southgate gambles on back three for England's Euro 2020 showdown with Germany

England coach Gareth Southgate (R) greets Germany boss Joachim Loew

Southgate gambles on back three for England's Euro 2020 showdown with Germany

AFP Author • AFP • 16:12 - 29.06.2021

England coach Gareth Southgate (R) greets Germany boss Joachim Loew

England manager Gareth Southgate made a tactical gamble as he changed to a three-man defence for Tuesday's Euro 2020 last 16 clash against Germany at Wembley.

Southgate had played with a back four in England's three group matches, but he opted to switch his system to match up with the German formation.

Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker lined up alongside John Stones and Harry Maguire in an England back three that also started their World Cup semi-final defeat against Croatia three years ago.

Kieran Trippier came into the side at right wing-back, replacing Jack Grealish, while Luke Shaw started at left wing-back.

Bukayo Saka was part of England's three-man attack with Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.

Chelsea duo Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell had been self-isolating for the last 10 days.

Mount was named among the substitutes but Chilwell was absent from the matchday squad.

Germany boss Joachim Low made three changes from the 2-2 draw with Hungary in their last group game.

Ilkay Gundogan was only fit enough for a place among the substitutes after suffering a head injury. 

Timo Werner, Leon Goretzka and Thomas Mueller came into the side, with Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry left out.

Starting line-ups:

England (3-4-3)

Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire; Kieran Trippier, Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips, Luke Shaw; Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane (capt), Raheem Sterling

Coach: Gareth Southgate (ENG)

Germany (3-4-3)

Manuel Neuer (capt); Antonio Rudiger, Matthias Ginter, Mats Hummels; Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Toni Kroos, Robin Gosens; Kai Havertz, Thomas Mueller, Timo Werner

Coach: Joachim Loew (GER)

Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED)

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