GARETH SOUTHGATE is preparing to go back to the future this afternoon and play a back three.
The three-man defence of Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry Maguire would be the same one which helped England to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
England have played with a four-man defence for all three group games but are likely to play with wing-backs – the same system as Germany.
Although he has been struggling with a knock, Kieran Trippier could play as right wing-back, with Luke Shaw on the left.
Phil Foden, left out of the final group game against Czech Republic, hopes to return to the side.
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But this means Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka could return to the bench.
Southgate has a fit 26-man squad, with Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell available again after their isolation period ended.
The pair travelled separately but will be reunited with the squad tomorrow.
Southgate said: “The only times they have been able to join up with us are when there’s not full team training, so that’s the best basis to make the decision.
“It is really complicated because there is the physical periodisation that you would want for a game like this and then there is the tactical training and the meetings.
“They have had to be in a separate room and dial in on zoom.
“The whole experience for them is very difficult but they are young players who can get on with things well.”
