"It all points towards playing that way - we have wonderful wing-backs," says Powell
Thursday 9 November 2017 13:58, UK
Former England full-back Chris Powell has urged national team boss Gareth Southgate to start with a three-man defence when Germany visit Wembley on Friday.
Premier League sides Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea have seen huge success since switching formations, allowing them to make use of their flying fullbacks - a number of whom are in Southgate's squad this week.
Powell, who received five caps under Sven-Göran Eriksson during his tenure as England manager, played as a full-back himself and admits it would be a waste not to emulate the system used with such success.
"The personnel lends itself to playing three at the back whether that's 3-5-2 or 3-4-3," said Powell on Premier League Daily. "It all points towards playing that way as we have wonderful wing-backs.
"Danny Rose and Ryan Bertrand, Walker and Trippier on the other side - Joe Gomez is in there now even though he doesn't play in a three at the back at Liverpool."
He also insists that England have the right centre-backs to fit the formation, too.
Southgate made headlines last week after leaving Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling out of his 25-man squad, questioning his passing ability and seemingly giving a change of system the nod.
However, Powell claimed there are others who fit the bill in terms of ball-playing centre-backs:
"It lends itself towards that with John Stones being the central player, Gary Cahill who plays on the left of a three at Chelsea,' said Powell.
"On the right you can play Phil Jones because he plays on the right side and can play at right-back so he would be comfortable in those wider areas."
The former Charlton and Huddersfield Town manager has also expressed his sympathy for the current England boss, as England's list of injury woes continues to grow.
"Unfortunately for Gareth, in two wonderful friendlies against such calibre of opposition like Germany and Brazil at Wembley, which is always a great spectacle - he's going to have to do it without some key, key players," said Powell.
"I am sure Gareth and his staff, particularly his medical staff would have spoken not only to the players and assessed the players but to the managers of the respective clubs.
"It really is a tough call and I am sure every player legitimately would like to be there and if they are injured it is better for them to recuperate, get fit, see the season out and then hopefully be fit for England.
"It makes you very proud to play for your country and I'm sure every player would love to be fit."
