How Scotland have shown England the way to stop Switzerland and their carousel system, reveals MARTIN KEOWN in his tactical analysis
One reason Gareth Southgate may switch to a three-man defence could be his concern that the overextended Declan Rice would be outnumbered in midfield if England were to play a 4-3-3 system.
The Arsenal man would be left with an opponent either side of him due to the Swiss carousel system, which allows them to fall into the old WM formation. This is achieved by Murat Yakin sending two extra bodies into midfield while the game is in progress.
Sometimes you see their two strikers Fabian Rieder and Ruben Vargas drop deep to fulfil that role. At other times the wingbacks Dan Ndoye and Michel Aebischer move in from their flanks, which is very unusual. There is an incredible fluidity in the way they do this – and that is something England need to look out for.
Scotland may not have had a pleasant Euro 2024, but of all the opponents Switzerland faced, it was Steve Clarke’s underdogs who gave them the toughest test. Not Germany and their last four. Not Italy and their last four. But Scotland, who had a last three to match the Swiss.
England analysts will have noted that the Swiss find one system far more problematic than the other, and Southgate had to decide whether copying the Scots was the best way to win. Scotland were determined to put Switzerland under pressure. Even from kick-off they sent the ball wide and out of play to apply high pressure.
Scotland’s performance against Switzerland showed England how they can beat the Swiss
Scotland caused Switzerland more problems than Germany or Italy because of their defensive three
Declan Rice (left) could be another reason why Gareth Southgate is switching to a three-man defence
They had Anthony Ralston and Andy Robertson as left and right wing backs who pushed up the pitch to attack their opponents.
Scott McTominay kept an eye on the two midfielders and blocked passes to Granit Xhaka, but he also pushed forward to join the pressure where possible, along with Che Adams and John McGinn.
To press high up the pitch, you need three defenders at the back to maintain a high line, while two of them must be ready to track the Swiss attackers if and when they drop deep. Scotland ended up disappointingly with only a draw after forcing Switzerland to lose possession more times than they have in any other match at this Euros.
By using the Swiss system, England could ensure that there are an equal number of players everywhere on the pitch.
If a 3-4-3 system was employed, I could use Kyle Walker and Ezri Konsa either side of John Stones in defence, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bukayo Saka as our right and left wing-backs.
Conor Gallagher is England’s best presser so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him play alongside Rice, while Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden could play more centrally with Harry Kane in between.
Switzerland used a back four under Yakin before switching to a back three in 2023. They have not looked back, going unbeaten throughout 2024 and showing they know this system inside and out. When England face their opponents, they will need to beat Switzerland at their own game to reach the semi-finals.
Kyle Walker (centre) and Ezri Konsa (right) could form part of a defensive trio for England
Martin Keown wouldn’t be surprised if Conor Gallagher plays alongside Rice
Swiss system suits Xhaka
Switzerland reminds me of Bayer Leverkusen, because they use a 3-4-2-1 system where every player knows his role.
That’s partly why it’s so perfect for Xhaka, who is practically on the pitch as a coach for his club and country.
He gives orders to his teammates when and where to move, shouting at Vargas or Aebischer when he wants one wide and the other central. Xhaka’s performances of late have made him look like one of the most effective midfielders in the game.
Against Germany he sat virtually on Ilkay Gundogan to avoid being instrumental, and it is thought the same will apply to Bellingham.
