England manager Gareth Southgate reportedly intends to go with a three-man defence in the upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy.
The Three Lions have just a handful of matches left to play before setting off for the World Cup finals, beginning with Friday night's trip to Amsterdam.
According to The Telegraph, Southgate will make the most of Eric Dier's versatility by using the Tottenham Hotspur ace - more associated with a defensive-midfield role on the international stage - at centre-back in both matches over the next six days.
Dier is also said to be in line to skipper England at the Amsterdam ArenA, with Southgate still having to decide who will wear the armband on a permanent basis.
The report indicates that John Stones and Harry Maguire will start either side of Dier, freeing up more room for creativity in the middle.
