England legends Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand have both admitted their surprise at Gareth Southgate's Three Lions starting XI for the match against Germany tonight. England take on Germany at Wembley in the last-16 of Euro 2020. Southgate reverted to a three-at-the-back formation after playing with four in defence for the three group stage matches.
England vs Germany: Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand were surprised at Gareth Southgate's selection (Image: BBC)
"Yeah it has [surprised me]," Shearer said.
"I thought he might have gone in with something similar [to the group stage], with four at the back because we obviously haven't conceded and we have looked very solid.
"I think that it's imperative that [Kalvin] Phillips is given a bit more freedom to try and get further forward and help the [front] three.
"And of course with the two wing-backs with the pace and the ability of both of them to get up, it's going to be a huge competition [between] Shaw and [Joshua] Kimmich, Trippier and [Robin] Gosens.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
England vs Germany: Gareth Southgate made one personnel change for the Euro 2020 clash (Image: GETTY)
"They've got to try and dominate and push those further back."
Ferdinand agreed with Shearer that England were set up far more defensively than he expected.
The Manchester United legend wanted to see more of England's attacking talent on the pitch, though reckons they could have an impact later in the match.
"I'm surprised in one way but Gareth Southgate, knowing him being a defender when he played as well, so maybe not that surprised.
"But when you see the talent that we've got, especially in the attacking wide areas, the young fearless talent, and none of them are really playing today, it does surprise me in that sense.
"But what I will say he may be thinking [is] the impact they may have off the bench when it gets into the latter stages, so that could maybe be a ploy."