Gareth Southgate warned of the one tactical tweak he can’t make when England face Serbia

Gareth Southgate has been advised that he doesn't need to employ a three or five-man defence against Serbia on Sunday.

Former Tottenham defender Danny Rose, speaking on Reach's new Euro Thrash podcast, available on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify has suggested to the England manager that a tactical shift isn't necessary for the Euro 2024 opener. Rose argues that due to the playing style of Serbian forwards, Southgate can avoid using a back three or five.

"With respect to Mitrovic and Tadic, England have to realise that they are not going to run in behind, so I don't think there is any need to play with the three or five at the back," Rose said. He also expressed confidence in the ability of England's centre-backs or defensive midfielder to handle Aleksandar Mitrovic without additional cover, saying: "The two centre-backs or holding midfielder can take care of Mitrovic."

Nonetheless, Rose issued caution regarding Fenerbahce's Dusan Tadic, who is likely to line up against England. The ex-England left-back highlighted the challenge for Kieran Trippier, stressing the importance of preventing Tadic from cutting inside from his flank.

"For Trippier, just don't let Tadic come in on his left and then that is half of the problems solved for England, " Rose said. "I wasn't keen on playing against defenders that could cut in, because once they get half a yard and when you have a left-foot like him, the ball goes into the box and as soon as it goes in, it's my fault. Tadic has a great left-foot and he is very strong", reports the Manchester Evening News.

Rose, speaking on the podcast alongside former Man Utd and England star Wes Brown, praised Southgate's approachable nature, which he believes has been instrumental to England's recent successes.

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He remarked: "I don't want to say he is one of the lads, but he is very approachable. He'll come and ask every one of you how are you? How are you doing? How's your family? He has a very good relationship with the players in his camp."

Rose further added: "It is not a coincidence that since he's taken over, everyone has started to believe that England are close to doing something and that is because of the atmosphere you create."

Brown has echoed Rose's thoughts on Gareth Southgate, telling Euro Trash: "You have to have a relationship with the players and it doesn't necessarily mean you are mates, but as a manager, you have to be able to talk to the players,"

"These players are running round for you and putting the effort in for every game, and it is only respect for the manager as well. The manager earns that respect and Southgate has with these players, you can see that since the day he came in." he added.

Watch and listen to Euro Thrash on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify with regular new episodes throughout Euro 2024