3-5-2 For England?

Well, it is certainly a practice formation, which they will not play against serious competition, except under a very specific set of conditions.

I don’t think the team characteristics lends itself to 3 at the back. Namely, I think JT ca be exposed on the left. His strenghs lie in the middle. They are just moving A. Cole forward, but letting him have less defensive responsibilities. Let me say I think A. Cole is one of the best left backs in the world, but he is certainly not exceptional as a winger which this role would demand.

Not to mention that no player plays this system for their club.

Really England should continue to tinker with the rest of the formation, but 4 at the back is a no brainer IMO.

Posted from  Canada

This is how Argentina usually plays, and also how Brazil, atypically, won WC2002.

But I cannot imagine ENG playing this way… I also can´t see how this system maximizes ENG strong points…

I can also tell you that back in 2003, Scolari tried a couple of times to implement this with Portugal, but never worked. Players never felt confortable and were never at their best. And mind you, 3-5-2 is all about wingers… Something we have plenty of…