Gareth Southgate explains why he changed England’s tactical system to face Italy in the UEFA EURO 2020 Final. ‘We can hurt on the counter-attack.’
It kicks off at Wembley Stadium at 20.00 UK time.
You can check the line-ups and follow all the action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
This is the first England final in the European Championships and only their second in a major tournament after the 1966 World Cup.
“I think to see the impact it’s had on everyone, it’s an amazing experience for all of us. Every community, every religion, every heritage, it’s fabulous to see,” Southgate told BBC Sport.
He shelved the 4-3-3 and has moved to a 3-4-3 formation tonight, a similar approach to the one he took against Germany in the Round of 16.
“The way Italy play is pretty consistent, they cause you a tactical problem which we felt the need to resolve. It becomes complicated if you drag your wings all the way back.
“We want our attacking players to stay higher up the pitch where we think they can hurt on the counter-attack.”
Gareth Southgate was asked for his thoughts ahead of kick off in the #Euro2020final.
This is what he had to say…
Watch and listen on the BBC#bbceuro2020 #Euro2020Final #ITAENG pic.twitter.com/pz45d6ILQd
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 11, 2021