England change tack

EVOLUTION, not revolution that was the word from the England camp yesterday. Even so, however often the decision to play just three defenders against Croatia at Wembley tonight (8.0, Sky Sports) is described as a logical progression, it remains a landmark step.

Not since the days of lace-up balls and baggy shorts have England met serious opposition with such a numerically challenged defence. It is 18 years since England even risked playing three defenders against weak opponents - when Ron Greenwood's side stuttered to a 2-0 win over Luxembourg.

There has been some tinkering with sweepers and wing-backs since but, in essence, the flat back four has remained as English as roast beef... perhaps it is time for a change.

But to do so tonight, less than eight weeks before the start of the European Championships and against such a formidable attacking unit as Croatia, appears either bold or foolhardy.

Terry Venables can rarely be accused of being the latter, at least not in his football dealings, and there is some logic behind the transition. Unlike Graham Taylor's abortive attempt to play three at the back, with wing-backs, in Oslo in 1993 Venables' team should know what they are doing. He has been working specifically on this since Friday and, said David Platt, who is restored as captain, more generally for some time.

In the centre - and winning his first cap for four years - is Mark Wright, who has impressed in a back three at Liverpool. He will be flanked by two players who ought not be exposed in the wide areas, Gary Neville and Stuart Pearce.

This is important because this system is fundamentally different from those practised by Liverpool and Aston Villa. There are no wing-backs. Instead, when attacked in numbers, the defence will be supported at the centre, primarily by Paul Ince, but also by Paul Gascoigne and Platt.

There is enough of the Ajax system in this to wonder if England's next kit will feature a thick red stripe down the front but it is not intended to be a carbon copy.

"There are similarities, but it is not the same, said Venables. "This is a natural progression of what we have been doing. I have been looking to do it for a long time. If we have four defenders and they have too forwards, we have to players not doing anything while our midfield two are running their legs silly. This is about getting help to midfield."

The tactics will be simpler further forward - to shoot, or not to shoot, that will be the question. In the case of Robbie Fowler, who makes a much-anticipated full debut, the answer will probably be to shoot.

"What does he bring to the team?" Venables was asked. `Goals' was the reply. England hope so. Teddy Sheringham will help Fowler find his feet, as will the presence of his Liverpool room-mate, Steve McManaman. Stan Collymore will probably be named among the substitutes today.

The re-shaped team should certainly get a thorough test. Croatia are a good side with several gifted individuals, notably Zvonimir Boban, Alen Boksic and Robert Prosinecki. Just as importantly they will have, in contrast to most friendly opponents, a deep-seated desire to do their reborn country proud. Strong in defence and quick in the counterattack they are one of the dark horses for Euro `96.