Three at the back? Our writers pick their line-ups for Scotland v England
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I’m confident that three at the back is the way forward for England.
Kyle Walker exists to play at wing-back – as does Danny Rose, who would be playing if fit – while the system releases Dele Alli and Adam Lallana perfectly.
Even Harry Kane relishes it.
There are, admittedly, two notable weaknesses in this XI.
Gary Cahill plays on the left of Chelsea’s back three, but that position ideally requires a left-footer. It could have Ben Gibson’s name it on it in the longer term.
In midfield, meanwhile, Jordan Henderson or an up-to-speed Jack Wilshere (yes, I know) would partner Eric Dier.
For Saturday, though, this is Southgate’s best bet.
Bit of a bold formation, this, but one we can afford to play against a team that haven’t beaten anyone in the world’s top 50 for over two years.
Injuries have nullified the appeal of playing 3-5-2, particularly if it means fielding players like Ben Gibson and Jake Livermore, who are unlikely to still be in frame in 2018.
It is our array of genuinely exciting attackers who might just make an impression at the World Cup, so it’s worth seeing how they can feasibly fit together in their preferred positions.
Jack Butland’s case for playing in goal, meanwhile, is only going to strengthen between now and next summer.
What better rite of passage for Southgate’s future No. 1 than facing Scotland at Hampden Park?
I suspect Gareth Southgate will be more cautious than the team I’ve picked, even though Scotland aren’t very good.
The goalkeeper and back four picks itself, as does the selection of Eric Dier in defensive midfield.
Southgate will probably select Jake Livermore alongside Dier, but I’d prefer him to plump for another forward and win the game in style.
Dele Alli and Adam Lallana can roam from the middle, with Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford making the pitch as big as possible out wide.
Harry Kane up top needs no explanation.
Joe Hart or Gary Cahill to captain, depending on whoever’s closest when the armband is being dished out.
Attack, attack, attack.
Playing against the weakest Scotland side in living memory, England should be aiming to go big.
And who better to do that than Harry Kane and Dele Alli, who rattled off 57 goals between them for Tottenham last season.
Eric Dier’s inclusion in midfield, meanwhile, allows Adam Lallana to contribute more in the final third and Jesse Lingard gets the nod ahead of Marcus Rashford, who’s better when used down the middle.
Finally, Tom Heaton’s had a great season at Burnley and deserves more of a look in for the national team.
While he may not be tested at this level, it’s a decent opportunity to give him some experience – especially with Joe Hart not exactly flourishing at Torino.
A bit of a makeshift side thanks to the amount of absences from this end-of-season spate of games, but one that should work nonetheless.
I know it’s only Scotland, but England should continue with three at the back.
Four of the back five pick themselves, but I don’t think Ryan Bertrand has the athleticism to play as a wing-back.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain does, and he’s done well for Arsenal in the past few months.
This system’s defensive solidity means Adam Lallana can play in central midfield without being saddled with too much responsibility, while Alli and Sterling can interchange behind Harry Kane.
