Gareth Southgate hands Michael Keane debut in three-man defence against Germany

According to reports emerging from multiple newspapers, the Burnley centre-back will play alongside captain Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling in Wednesday night’s friendly against Germany in Dortmund.

West Brom midfielder Jake Livermore will make his first international start alongside Tottenham’s Eric Dier in the heart of midfield, with Kyle Walker and Ryan Bertrand providing width on the flanks.

Jamie Vardy is the spearhead of the attack, supported by Dele Alli and Adam Lallana. Joe Hart is in goal.

England take on the world champions in Dortmund before facing Lithuania in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley on Sunday.

The 3-4-3 formation has this season been popularised by Antonio Conte, whose switch to a back three at half-time of Chelsea's 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at September proved the springboard for a 13-match winning streak which installed them as favourites to win the league.

Tottenham and Manchester United both now play with a back three, and other clubs like Everton have dabbled with it, and Southgate appears keen to try new strategies after landing the international job full-time.

The last time England played with a back three, they famously lost 2-0 away at Croatia in Euro 2008 qualifying under Steve McClaren - a run of 116 games with a back four is about to end.