“This article is part of a wider series in partnership with Football Manager 26, which looks at the strengths and weaknesses of famous historical and contemporary tactics. Part one: The 4-2-3-1, Part two: The 4-4-2 and Part three: The 4-3-3. Cast your eye over any amateur game of football in England, from the rabble of ball-watching children at primary school level, to the mudbaths and brawls of Sunday League, and you’ll likely find two teams — however well-organised — lining up with four players across their defence. It’s the subconscious default of English football, firmly established since the 4-4-2 emerged as a dominant shape in the 1960s, a simple formation that is well-suited to the direct and physical nature of the domestic game. But it’s not the case everywhere in Europe; in Italy, especially, young defenders are often brought up as central centre-backs and wide defenders in a back three or five. …”
NY Times/The Athletic