The key talking points as Gareth Southgate and England gear up for the World Cup

England kick-off their World Cup preparations with a home friendly against Switzerland on Saturday evening.

Ahead of the Wembley encounter, the PA news agency takes a look at five of the main talking points.

This tournament year is unlike any other, with the World Cup being held between November and December due to the Gulf nation’s climate. That switch brings with it all manner of challenges and has led to the international calendar being altered dramatically. This camp is the first of just three that England will have before the tournament gets under way, with this month’s friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast followed by four Nations League matches in June. Southgate’s side finish the group with a double-header in September – the only meet-up of what is usually an autumn schedule comprised of three camps. With so few chances to be with the squad, England need to make the most of this opportunity.

It is important to try different formations and tactics- Gareth Southgate

“It is important to try different formations and tactics,” Southgate said when unveiling his squad last Thursday. “We can use these games to try to understand how we approach the World Cup.” The England boss has tinkered with his tournament approaches depending on the strengths of his squad, with a three-man backline providing the platform for their run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. Southgate switched to a four-man defence as the Three Lions finished third in the inaugural Nations League finals the following year and used that for the most part of the rearranged Euros. England moved to a back three for the last-16 clash with Germany and final against Italy, returning to that base in November qualifiers.

Three defenders are vying to make