Why Trippier or Walker should be dropped vs Sweden – ex-England manager Sam Allardyce

Former England manager Sam Allardyce has urged Gareth Southgate to drop either Kieran Trippier or Kyle Walker for Saturday’s quarter-final against Sweden, suggesting the Three Lions don’t need three centre-backs.

Southgate has opted for Walker in a back three alongside John Stones and Harry Maguire for three of England’s four World Cup games so far, including the two group stage victories over Tunisia and Panama as well as the round of 16 clash with Colombia.

Meanwhile, Trippier has flourished in a wing-back role and was again one of the team’s standout performers against Colombia as England edged out their opponents on penalties.

But Allardyce, who was in charge of the national team for just one game in September 2016 before being sacked, has suggested the Three Lions should revert to a back four against Sweden.

“I don’t think we were stunning [against Colombia], we weren’t fluent and we certainly weren’t clinical in front of goal again,” Allardyce told talkSPORT.

“But the bottom line is we’re through and that’s really all that matters. We’re through against Sweden and we couldn’t have a better way forward.

“But if I was in Gareth’s shoes, and I know I’m not, I would seriously consider changing the system. For me, it would have to be Trippier or Kyle Walker (to leave out).

“If you left Trippier out, you put Walker at right-back and if you left Walker out you’d leave Trippier at right-back. Trippier has been terrific but it is a big decision you have to make.

“Defensively we look extremely sound, but I think we need more attacking prowess going forward to try and score more goals from open play.

“I don’t think they need to play with three at the back against Sweden. They could cope comfortably with two defenders, I don’t think they’ve got anything to concern us going forward.

5. FOUR predicitions for the #WorldCup quarter-finals – https://t.co/Wk42X8VFNi

*Spoiler* Harry Kane will break a record. pic.twitter.com/YV6RqNB5pb

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 5, 2018

“I would put the extra man in midfield or put three at the top. I think that might work. Stick Rashford in.

“England have not scored enough goals from open play – even against Panama it was one great goal from Jesse Lingard and one deflected shot off Harry’s heel.”

Allardyce deployed a back four of Walker, Stones, Gary Cahill and Danny Rose in his only match in charge of England, a 1-0 away win against Slovakia in the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.

However, England have looked comfortable with a back three throughout the tournament and Southgate is unlikely to change his system for the quarter-finals.

The post Why Trippier or Walker should be dropped vs Sweden – ex-England manager Sam Allardyce appeared first on Squawka News.

From Squawka NewsSquawka News https://ift.tt/2MRerU5