England defeat in the Czech Republic may have been down to numerous players going to the break in club shape, based on Harry Maguire.
Following the 2-0 defeat of Friday, England have conceded eight goals in the five games. In that time, Southgate has selected the same back four once.
Maguire, who performed at Prague alongside Danny Rose, Michael Keane and Kieran Trippier, is keen to find a back four and has become the mainstay from the defence since November.
Asked when there was a shortage of optimism among the back-line Maguire replied:Yes, possibly.
We deliver our club football into international level. It was a game that is tricky. Do not get me wrong, we began sloppy. We took the lead at the game but we did not deserve to.
The second half we controlled the game a lot more than the first half but we gave them a messy goal to win the game. We need to improve on this.
Clearly you are wishing to produce partnerships. Occasionally in level you cant actually do this.
Youve got players who arent playing for their clubs so that they do not get selected, and youve got players that pick up injuries.
Youve got to accommodate. That is one of those tricky elements of playing international football, every camp you playing with players that are different – that you dont want to be – and also will need to come up with partnerships.
But listen, there is no explanations. We will need to be better than Friday night. We will need to be going forward. We will need to be better compared to the chunk. And we certainly need to become better at keeping the ball out of the internet.
England might have sealed their qualification for Euro 2020. If they beat Bulgaria and Kosovo fail to win against Montenegro but they can be eligible on Monday.
Southgate had success with England at the Russia World Cup in 2018 – taking them to some in 28 years using a rear three and admits he can revert to this system.
I think were in a challenging situation in terms of the players who have played international soccer with us at that area of the pitch and who are playing regularly together with their teams, Southgate said.
So, thats part of the reason we didnt do this [from the Czech Republic].
Its certainly something weve considered and that I dont think we can dismiss.
I am not sure, ahead of Monday, if that is the ideal thing to do but were very aware and assessing those things
Asked if there is sufficient time to employ a defensive switch in system before Euro 2020, Southgate stated:I think so, I believe players take in strategic concepts very quickly, particularly top players.
So, we have to keep reflecting on whats working, whats possible and learn from every experience we have.
Well learn a lot from [the Czech sport ]. Weve had.
[This] was a suitable evaluation and we didnt come through, so itd be naive not to take the course in what weve seen on the pitch
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