Chelsea legend Frank Lampard praised Gareth Southgate’s ‘clever’ decision to change to a five-man defence for Sunday’s Euro 2020 final against Italy.
The England manager has tweaked his tactics depending on the opposition throughout the Euros. England last used the formation during their 2-0 victory over Germany at the last 16 stage.
Reacting to the change in tactics, Lampard told the BBC: ‘There will be times when you have to be a five. Gareth is looking at the Italian team and they want you to play centrally.
‘They want you to play through midfield where they have a lot of numbers. If we can stretch them with our width, if we can entice players out and have Sterling and Mount in and around their two centre backs.
‘I think it’s a clever call from Gareth. We have to see how it plays out but I understand the thinking.’
Lampard’s former England teammate Rio Ferdinand also said he wasn’t surprised by Southgate’s decision to change the formation again and believes the versatility within the team represents England’s biggest strength.
He added: ‘I think the biggest strength of this team is Gareth doesn’t know his best team yet. So that’s make it difficult for the opposition.
‘He’s very adaptable being able to go from one position to the other. He can change personnel seamlessly. That is where the strength lies for this squad.’
