Arsenal: 3 ways England could line up with Emile Smith Rowe

3. Smith Rowe as a No. 8 in a 4-3-3 Formation

It might have not have worked the way he wanted against Hungary, but Southgate does appear to favour the use of 4-3-3 against sides who England are, shall we say, expected to beat.

With Rice unavailable it will likely be Jordan Henderson who takes up the deepest role in this case, which opens up the space for two No. 8’s either side of him allowing the Three Lions to field as many of their attacking players as possible.

It’s what he did against Hungary where Foden, Mount, Sterling, Kane and Grealish all started, and should he opt for this system again it increases Smith Rowe’s chances of being included.

Playing there for Arsenal on occasion in the Premier League, it isn’t the position that has suited him best. Usually with Thomas Partey as the lone pivot, Martin Odegaard takes up the left sided slot with the Hale Ender on the right. Given his outstanding displays on the left, why Arteta changes this around is anyone’s guess.

With depleted attacking and midfield options for Friday, fielding Smith Rowe on the left of those No. 8 slots is a genuine possibility, even if it would be a strange decision from the manager to call up a player off the back of his displays out on the left only to drop him deeper alongside a single pivot.

Mock lineup: Ramsdale(!); Walker, Stones, Maguire, Chilwell; Foden, Henderson, Smith Rowe; Sterling, Kane, Saka