6 Reasons Why England Should Use 3-5-2 Formation

4. The Midfield Axis

The "Engine Room" as the mid-field is commonly referred to, is the area where England historically struggle in competitive matches and tournaments versus top quality opposition.

After England lost to Italy during the World Cup, popular sports data website Opta Joe aptly highlighted the magnitude of the problem stating:

"England's pass completion against Italy on 91% was the highest they've ever recorded in a World Cup game (1966-2014)."

By default the 3-5-2 formation would allow England to have three players in mid-field and potentially a fourth option, if one of the two strikers has the ability to drift into the "hole" and link the mid-field and attack.

Too often in the past England teams are outnumbered in the center of the park, due to the tendency to be rigid in a 4-4-2 formation.

England should build for EURO 2016 with three mid-fielders players always starting. If this doesn't become the norm, not only will the first major side at EURO 2016, will expose the historical Achilles heel - but Switzerland led by the talented Bayern Munich mid-fielder Xherdan Shaqiri, could case the team some headaches next Monday.