England: Gareth Southgate considering defensive switch for Bulgaria game – BBC Sport, BBC News

Gareth Southgate is considering returning to the three-man defense that helped England reach last summer’s World Cup semi-finals.

The Three Lions face Bulgaria in a Euro 2020 qualifier on Monday looking to get back to winning ways after losing 2-1 to the Czech Republic on Friday.

Defensive errors were punished in their first Euro qualifier defeat since 2009.

“It’s certainly something we’ve considered,” said Southgate on a possible defensive switch .

“I think we are in a difficult situation in terms of the players that have played international football with us in that area of ​​the pitch and who are playing regularly with their

“So, that’s part of the reason we didn’t do that [against the Czech Republic].

“I’m not sure, ahead of Monday, if that ‘ s the right thing to do but we’re very aware and assessing those things. “

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Harry Maguire, John Stones and Kyle Walker formed the defensive three in Russia last summer.

However, Stones is unavailable through injury while Walker has not been included in the squad.

Asked if there is enough time to make a defensive change to the system before Euro 2020, Southgate said: “I think so, I think players take in tactical concepts very quickly, especially top players.

“So, we have to keep reflecting on what’s working, what’s possible and learn from every experience we have.”

Poor club form at fault?

Maguire, who lined up in the center of defense in Prague alongside Everton’s Michael Keane, believes some of the England players’ poor club form could have contributed to the below-par performance against

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Maguire’s Manchester United are 12 th in the Premier League after a disappointing start to the season while Keane’s side Everton have lost five of their opening eight games.

Asked if there was a lack of confidence among the England defense Maguire replied: “Yes, maybe.

” We bring our club football into international level. It was a difficult game. Obviously you are wanting to develop partnerships. Sometimes at international level you can’t really do that.

“But there’s no excuses. We need to be better than Friday night. We need to be better going forward. We need to be better on the ball. And we certainly need to be better at keeping the ball out of the net. “