England are set to experiment with a 3-5-2 formation against Macedonia, according to The Times. The squad has worked on the new system in training in preparation for Saturday’s match. The report suggests Stewart Downing would be axed in favour of a lineup of: Robinson; G. Neville, Terry, Ferdinand; Wright-Phillips, Gerrard, Carrick, Lampard, A. Cole; Crouch, Rooney.

I predict a nervy first-half if England do play 3-5-2. That is not a reflection on Steve McClaren – players should be flexible, but England rarely look comfortable outside the 4-4-2 comfort zone. The good thing is that the personnel on the pitch could convert to a 4-4-2 easily without the need for substitutions if things did go wrong.

What do you say, Pies-reading public?

[Via Soccer Weblog]

[Rob Parker]

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