England’s hard-earned 2-1 win over Switzerland was not an international friendly of two halves but three thirds. The opening hour was all about a blend of the old and the new. It was the wing-back and three-man midfield system of the last Fifa World Cup campaign but, at the same time, with only three players who were part of it four years ago. Others were making their debuts and first international starts of their career.
The last half-hour, though, was a return to what we have come to expect from Gareth Southgate more recently. There was a back four rather than a back three. There were two holding midfielders rather than just one. There were fewer open spaces for Switzerland to probe, more control over proceedings for England. It was an improvement, to be frank, and a lot of it was down to Declan Rice.
