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England go into Russia 2018 quite under the radar and without the burden of expectations. Even the most ardent fans can only pray that they reach the quarter-finals at best. But they are not going to be easy pushovers. They have an astute manager in Gareth Southgate. They can line up in a number of different formations to suit the match situation as well as the opposition. So let's take a look at some of the possible starting XIs for them and the advantages of each.
The preferred 3-3-1-3 or 3-3-3-1
This is Southgate's preferred formation. The central defenders provide stability, aerial presence, experience as well as ability to pass the ball. There is also adequate cover in the form of Phil Jones and Harry Maguire.
The wing-backs Trippier and Young have had good domestic seasons. But there will be questions asked of their defensive abilities especially by the likes of Hazard and KDB when they face Belgium in their last group game. Options on the bench include a young Trent Alexander-Arnold and Danny Rose. They can also move Walker to right wing back but Southgate has preferred to use him in a back three.
In the midfield holding role, Eric Dier is their man for all seasons with the ability to play anywhere on the defensive side of the pitch. The same can be said about Dele Alli for the attacking half. But Alli is best utilised when he's given the space and freedom to move around and create chances.
Lingard and Sterling have pace and creativity, and good goalscoring form in the season gone by. With these two on the wings, the team can seamlessly switch from a balanced 3-3-3-1 to an attacking 3-3-1-3 whenever the match demands the same. Marcus Rashford provides further attacking option if required.
Up front, Harry Kane is their talisman and the man on whose shoulders' England's fate depends. He is their one truly world-class player who can turn any match on its head. If he strikes form England fans can hope to navigate further down the knockout phases. But the weakness of this system lies in the defensive frailties of their wing backs and the fact that all their central defenders are prone to commit a mistake or two which might prove fatal against quality opposition.
The out of fashion 4-4-2
The most used football formation has suddenly gone out of fashion. But this 4-4-2 is possibly England's most balanced lineup. Walker and Rose on either wing make the team balanced defensively and they are excellent going forward as well.
Dier and Henderson ensure midfield stability and both have the ability to find the right pass. Two defensive central midfielders also means that Stones can play with the ball which he quite likes to.
Sterling won't find this system to his liking as he would have to do his defensive duties as well. But it gives Southgate a chance to play Rashford. With all the focus on this team being on Kane - Rashford might just be the player to make a telling difference in a game. He has the ability to come up with crucial goals and to perform at the big stage.
Dare we forget he scored on his Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, England and England Under 21s debut.
The exuberant 3-4-3
If England want to make a statement in their opening two matches against Tunisia and Panama then this might be the team to pump those goals in. And it actually might not be a bad idea to let their forwards do the talking since their strength is in the attacking trio of Sterling, Rashford and Kane.
Walker and Rose also have an attacking flair. And with these central defenders, you are always likely to leak goals. But anyways England will find it difficult to keep too many clean sheets.
So why not play some entertaining football and try and outscore the other team. Playing with three forwards will give some extra space for Kane to exploit and the opposing defence will have more than one headache with the pace of Sterling and Rashford.
Alli will be key to this system working. If he is able to defend astutely, hold the ball and refrain from making his notorious ugly tackles this system might just work. Or you could replace him with Henderson. But can you really drop him?
