Denmark Is More Cohesive Than Germany, Mourinho Hopes Southgate Will Keep Four Defenders

Harry Maguire (Twitter @euro2020)

JAKARTA - AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho asked England manager Gareth Southgate not to be tempted to use a back three against Denmark in the Euro 2020 semifinals because the potential opponents played together and flowed attacks from various sectors.

"The question is, should England play a back three like they did against Germany? I don't think it's necessary," he told talkSPORT on Monday, quoted by Antara.

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"The four defenders are very, very solid. Luke Shaw is playing better and better. Kyle Walker is enjoying an amazing tournament," continued Mourinho.

"Both centre-backs were very solid and the back four with the Euros were amazing so the centre-backs had more than enough control over the Danish offensive. After that you have four players to determine the creativity in the game. That's where Gareth can doubt."

"Walker, (Harry) Maguire, (John) Stones and Shaw are all settled. (Kalvin) Phillips and (Declan) Rice are settled. (Raheem) Sterling and (Harry) Kane are settled and there are two places that I think are open and two a position where the options are different," said Mourinho.

"(Jadon) Sancho is playing really well, (Phil) Foden has been in the tournament, the same with (Mason) Mount, and (Jack) Grealish doesn't seem like Gareth's favorite player, but every minute he's on the pitch he's playing really well. There are many options for these two places."

"I'm sure playing at Wembley, England will be solid as usual but you have to try to win this game as soon as they can and I don't believe they have to play with a back three like they did against Germany."