- Gareth Southgate switched to a three-man defence for the England v Switzerland match
- Neville says a three-man defence of Walker, Stones and Konsa made England more flexible
- Listen to It’s all about to begin! EUROS DAILY: Why Southgate is talking ‘nonsense’ about England’s Euro 2024 draw
Gary Neville has given his verdict on Gareth Southgate’s decision to play with three defenders for England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland.
Southgate has continued to play with four defenders so far this England season, but decided on Saturday to start Kyle Walker, John Stones and Ezri Konsa in a three-man defence.
This meant Kieran Trippier played as wingback on the left, with Bukayo Saka on the right.
And according to Sky Sports News, former England right-back Neville believed it led to a much improved performance from the Three Lions.
He said: ‘I thought it was better. Actually, since Gareth took over when we played with three at the back, I thought we looked better.
Gareth Southgate opted for three at the back against Switzerland, giving Ezri Konsa a starting place
Neville praised Southgate’s decision, saying it led to England’s best performance at Euro 2024
‘I’ve always wanted us to play with three at the back and for some reason we have a better balance. I think the team suits it and we’re more fluid.
‘The football is much more relaxed, especially in the first half. We played quite well then.’
Neville then turned to how Southgate’s men will feel about their progress so far, having faced criticism for some dogged performances since the tournament began in June.
“What we can’t deny about this team is that they understand tournaments; they reach the semi-finals,” he added.
‘We’ve had an easier run than any other big team in the tournament would have liked.
‘Spain played some great football, but I think the other big teams didn’t do as spectacularly in some areas.
“The favourites for the tournament are not at their best. I believe in performance, but sometimes you have to go through difficult games to win trophies.
Man City duo John Stones and Kyle Walker joined Konsa in the back three
Neville praised England’s ‘tournament know-how’ after they reached the semi-finals
‘Yesterday we definitely performed the best in terms of balance, but now we have to step it up a notch against the Netherlands on Wednesday.
‘But we are now only two games away from absolute Utopia. And then we have to ask ourselves whether they can keep it up by playing the way they are playing now, with that bit of resilience and that bit of patience when things don’t always go their way.’
Meanwhile, fans are eagerly awaiting Wednesday, when England kick off against the Netherlands in Dortmund at 8pm.