Is Spurs’ influence on England a replica of Liverpool’s in 2014?

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This time around, Hodgson has been eyeing the young English spine performing at White Hart Lane under Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine manager has mainly used Hodgson’s favoured 4-2-3-1 as Spurs continue to mount a sustained title challenge.

Key to Pochettino’s success this year; and probably of most note for Hodgson, is the emergence of Eric Dier as a top-class defensive midfielder. Used as a right-back and centre-half last year, Dier’s seamless and useful transition as a physical, intelligent ‘half-back’ has provided Spurs with a defensive solidarity not seen in recent times, while providing the team with a base from which English duo Kyle Walker and Danny Rose can provide the necessary width from full-back.

With much more certainty at the back, and with full-backs able to push on like wingers, Pochettino has then allowed free reign for this season’s breakthrough star Dele Alli, in behind goal machine Harry Kane. With more than twenty league goals, it is no surprise Hodgson has come to rely on Kane, especially with current skipper Rooney struggling for fitness and consistent form on front of goal.

The England boss has been experimenting with the Spurs’ formula, particularly during the recent international break. Dier seemed right at home at the base of England’s midfield. Rose is starting to establish himself as England’s first-choice left-back, while Walker might have a fight on his hands against Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne for the right-back spot, with the latter starting in Berlin. Kane and Alli were the most advanced for England; like they are for Spurs, and were hugely influential against the world champions.

Might the 3-2 victory in Germany convince Hodgson to opt fully for Pochettino’s 4-2-3-1? If Hodgson does attempt to do so, this could be a possible first XI for England against Russia on June 11, based on players’ current form and fitness (England’s non-Spurs players are compared with the non-English starting XI players at Spurs).

Spurs’ defensive solidarity; heavily reliant on Dier and their defensive partnership from Belgium, will be hard to replicate as only Chris Smalling can be seen as a reliable defender for Hodgson, while Everton’s John Stones or Chelsea’s Gary Cahill have struggled for consistent form throughout the season. Henderson would do a different job to Dembélé, with his energy and running in contrast to the Belgian’s elegant play-making abilities.

It is probably in the wide areas where there might be potential dilemmas for Hodgson in trying to replicate the 2015/16 Spurs’ side. Rooney could be best accommodated in the spot usually filled by Danish play-maker Christian Eriksen at Spurs, or a more energetic option might be the use of Danny Welbeck. On the other flank, Ross Barkley, or maybe even Theo Walcott, could do a comparable job to what Nacer Chadli – on occasion Erik Lamela – brings to Pochettino’s side. Again, more defensive options are available to Hodgson, with James Milner and Adam Lallana possible alternatives.

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Recent history might suggest Hodgson should either fully replicate Pochettino’s tactical style, and fit his in-form Spurs’ Englishmen in their appropriate positions – alongside players of other clubs who might be of similar style to the non-English personnel surrounding them at White Hart Lane – or simply not try at all. The final three pre-tournament friendlies might bring about Hodgson’s final answer for England and their long-suffering fans.

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