Revealed: Why England players were 'miffed' after Gareth Southgate's tactical change on eve of Euro 2024 final against Spain

England and Southgate did not have the most straightforward Euro 2024 in Germany as the Three Lions started their campaign off slow with the side having received a lot of flak for their group-stage clashes with Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia. They were similarly slammed for their last-16 display against Slovakia. However, the Euro 2020 finalists did seem to pick up steam in the quarter-final and semi-final, thanks to a switch to a 3-4-3 formation from their traditional 4-2-3-1 system.

However, for their final against Spain in Berlin, Southgate decided to shift England back to their usual four-man defensive structure, and it would be fair to say Luis de la Fuente's La Roja were able to handle the Three Lions with some ease. They won 2-1 on the night to clinch the prestigious European trophy for the fourth time in their history.

The Daily Mail has now reported that a number of Three Lions stars were left 'flummoxed' by Southgate's decision not to stick with the 3-4-3 system that had seen them play their best football in the tournament. The players also believed the change back to 'Plan A' was the reason they failed to contain Spain on the night.

Southgate announced his departure from the post of England's head coach just days after the final and England are yet to announce his successor with Lee Carsley set to lead the Three Lions in their Nations League clashes next month.