England fans can't work out what formation they're playing vs Italy
Gareth Southgate has named his XI.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: England, Italy, UEFA Nations League, Gareth Southgate
Daniel Marland
Topics: England, Italy, UEFA Nations League, Gareth Southgate
England manager Gareth Southgate has named his starting XI for this evening's UEFA Nations League game with Italy, but nobody can work out the formation.
The Three Lions head into their Group C clash at the San Siro knowing defeat will see them relegated to League B for the first time.
Knowing that, Southgate has named a side which looks to be quite defensive on the face of it. Over an hour before kick-off though, nobody can decide who will be playing left-back.
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Reece James and Kyle Walker are right-backs by trade and both start, meaning one could play on the opposite side.
Bukayo Saka starts on the wing for Arsenal but some have speculated he could play a left wing-back role, with one of Walker or James in a back three alongside Harry Maguire and Eric Dier.
There's no denying it's a bold move. Supporters aren't fond of the team and have voiced their displeasure.
One person commented: "The day this guy is removed as manager will be a great day. What a clown."
Another said: "This team will get knocked out in the group stages I’m telling ya."
A third tweeted: "Liked the team until I noticed this."
While someone put: "I’m struggling to get a formation out of this."
Nick Pope is starting in net with regular no.1 Jordan Pickford missing from the squad with a thigh injury.
Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are likely to be the midfield duo, with Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling supporting Harry Kane.
There's no place for Ivan Toney, who was called up to the England team for the first time this month, in the side or on the bench.
"This is a very important tournament and we have already faced two very strong teams," said Southgate in a press conference earlier this week.
"We must improve after recent results and building up to the World Cup.
"Getting to do that here at San Siro, in an iconic stadium, will be a great honour."
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