Cloud9

I'd build around my best players at the international level and England have some great players to pick from. Personally I'd go for a Pep style approach (at least that's what I think England should try to do for the Euros). England have John Stones to play his unique Libero role and the pace of Walker to cover for him. A good 6 is hard to find and Rice has the mentals and height to be a Rodri like DM(s). That gives the license to the two 8's to go forward, like you see with City, and the very talented frontline the freedom to attack. On goalkeeper go for whoever can stop penalties: Anticipation, Concentration, Reflexes. I'd ignore what the game says the players are best at for the most part. For example: Bellingham's profile is not really the of an AP. With a complete player like this I'd just stick him as a BBM and let him do his thing. Really though you could do whatever with England in game. IRL playing without fullbacks makes sense because Trent is defensively an issue and Reece James/Chillwell unfortunately can't stay fit. Those factors seem to be lessened within FM to some degree so you have more tactical ability to pick and choose how you'd like to approach things.

I'd try running a SV(s) + DM(s) and mix up the front three a little, a support duty on one of those would be nice. Trying to bridge the gaps between the defensive/offensive unit would be a good starting point. I think the PF as a PF(s) could be nice, he'll give you a long ball option from the wingbacks when it's available through his ability to hold up the ball. Step up more on a highline can work well, but its higher risk/reward. Pace on the wingbacks/holding centerbacks will make you a lot more resolute. Aside from that I'd trim the Tis down a bit. Things like "counter" and "pass into space" can lead to rushed possession phases which will see more turnovers.

I would look to move your lines up then, you can tell your fullbacks to run wide with the ball in the Pis. On the goal conceded, It's difficult to diagnosis based on one screenshot but recruiting players who can defend/track runners is key to the defensive aspect of the game. I would prefer a double DM(s) for their higher, even positioning in the double pivot. An isolated goal conceded can also just be an error!

The point being your current setup isn't working the way you'd like by your own admission, so make changes. Removing redundancies and focusing on building up in a way that makes space for the MEZ and the runners could result in a more productive system. Providing a partner role (Winger(s) is a great partner to MEZ(s)) is an excellent way to get the best out of the role you'd like to build around. Again, if you've already decided the game isn't working as intended, go post the evidence to SI.

How would you like your team to play? I think you have the good bones of a tactic here, not too busy in terms of TIs which is a great start. If you want to play on a midblock I would look for some roles that can add some width to your formation (I'd prefer true or of footed wingers for this) and remove counter-press which will make you easier to play through. Adding "pass into space" can make a midblock counter attack a bit more user friendly as well. There's some nice stickied threads I've linked above that you can read through if you're feeling confused on putting together a successful tactic.

I would look at the profile of the DW you're playing. If they're more traditional winger profiles they will struggle to deal with runs. Concentration is an important attribute to look at if your defenders aren't tracking runners.

Might take a look at your attacking roles, Poacher could help you compared to the AF who will look to run in behind and turn over possession. IW(s) on Bernardo Silva will also cut inside eventually even if you put stay wider on him, could try a traditional winger role. Similarly on the right hand side a patient wide player could help, you have two roles moving into goal scoring opportunities in the same finishing space + the poacher. Try dumping the wingback in favor of stable/patient 3-2 foundation. I'd continue to play around with the width settings as you test. Aside from that, if you've run a bunch of tests and are still struggling to get it to work I'd just submit a bug report/feedback with the test info.

This could work nicely! I would consider your defensive shape in transitions as you might get caught out against stronger teams. At the moment you have two progressive 8's, as you might see with the stability of a 3-2 foundation on top of two progressive wingbacks. I would think about running something like a CAR + MEZ(s) combo for a more responsible pairing, capable of screening your wingbacks while still participating up the pitch.

The big change is how it will operate in a pivot in terms of rotations or lack there of, but in a 4-3-3 or a diamond you're going to see it play similarly to previous versions. In a 4-3-3, in possession he's going to drop back between the centerbacks and out of possession he's going to operate as an aggressive sweeper stepping into the space in front of him. The HB will push the CB's wide and your two wingbacks forward. If he plays the ball short to the CBs it will almost always progress down the wings. Roles like the CAR can help cover the aggressive wingback choices. Even a double WB(s) will see fairly aggressive wingback play due to this rotation back. I would suggest the biggest difference to a HB system would be the use of BPD or CD. CD's will see a lot of wing play, good BPD who can carry the ball can see more dynamic build up phases. I see people saying what works and work doesn't work with the HB. I'm not sure if I agree with a lot of those statements. There's no problem having wide attackers in a HB system and players combining in the same space is actually a plus. It's only when players are attempting to move into the same channel or make the same goal scoring run that you can run into redundancies. The role has been a powerful choice with the right profile player over the past few versions and that hasn't changed this FM. You could play it in a direct counter attack or a more progressive system with plenty of success. Again the use of BPD who can carry the ball or CD who will just lay off simple passes will dictate a lot of your 4-3-3 halfback plays out. You could also try utilizing a HB in a 3-4-2-1, if you don't like the 4-2-3-1. If you wanted to try to make something like you mention work I would recommend putting together a tactic, testing it out and having people look at it.

I wouldn't worry about it on FM24. The game is tinker heavy and changing roles to tackle the oppositions setup is incredibly powerful. If you're concerned about tactical familiarity just set your three tactics to variations of the same concept with the tis, roles etc. you wish to use the most frequently. Also make sure you're not confusing tactical familiarity with role suitability (which has no impact on the game and is just a guideline offered).

The halfback is a great role, it will just emphasize wing transitions as compared to controlling/building up through the center. I'd recommend going with two very aggressive wingback roles to pair with the HB in a 4-3-3. Also, don't feel pressured to play on a specific mentality. I've been playing on "balanced" a lot this year but always enjoy a good "defensive" approach as well. Higher mentalities help the team move the ball forward quickly and take more risks, so it's a much down to the play style you'd like to see on the pitch as anything else. I prefer a lower mentality as it helps my team pick and choose their moments a bit better than playing on "attacking," while allowing more space for in match changes to ramp things up. Attacking mentalities are a good user friendly option, or if attacking just fits the tactic you're using, as they ensure you're transitioning the ball forward into dangerous areas frequently. Patient approaches have a few more pitfalls but can be just as rewarding with a little time

IF(a)'s direct inside movement can get at the wide central defenders in a 3, esp if they're using wide centerbacks that go forward. I wouldn't worry too much about familiarity when making role tweaks. @Rashidi posted this a little bit ago. Details some tweaks you can make with a similar approach which you might find useful as a reference point. The use of an expansive 6, and/or a Libero(s) will leave you with less defensive structure but could help you towards a 3-1-6 if that's the goal. I would prioritize role changes to the frontline and leave the defensive foundation of your tactic the same in most scenarios. In most cases I find the Libero(d) to be my preferred option compared to a Libero(s) for the stability the role offers.

Have players and roles that can take advantage of the wide spaces. Think your frontline lacks synergy as well, all attack roles and lots of turnovers with your TIs.

A lot of your tactic will result in less patient build up, like using "counter." Try using "hold shape" or leave it unchecked. Try running a 9 that will offer you an option to cross to, F9 is great but will offer you movement that pulls the opposition around instead of a physical target. I don't see too many players to cross the ball to atm except for the IF. DLF offers a more direct option for your build up play. What foot are your Mezzalas?

Mezzala role

If you're using the 3-2, then you can simply copy City's approach. Quick wide players to force the opposition out of their defensive shape with a Poacher and progressive 8's inside. The use of a MEZ will be particularly deadly here, hitting the half space that's been opened by the wide attackers.

For @CVass the space in behind the opposition will be key for tweaks. He's got pace on his own frontline and if Hojlund is on a PF(s) there will be games where you'd want him to just run in behind. Same with Rashford, IW's gets involved with buildup play, a W(a) + Pass into space TI would let him go in behind. There will always be space behind his own defensive line, but that's an issue to address with recruitment. A 3-2-4-1 is really stable and doesn't have too much tinkering to do in the defensive unit (esp. compared to a back 4 with fullbacks). Space in behind (or lack there of) is a strong indicator of how you need to change your attack to score goals against the opposition defence. Most player's need space to score goals. If that space exists naturally, exploit it, if it doesn't you'll need to create it for them. Using Wingers in the 3-4-2-1 formation will create space centrally against opposition who park the bus by pinning the fullbacks wide. Inside runners can then attack those gaps. In my counter attacks: if I'm setup to defend & counter and there is no space in behind (ie. the opposition is sitting back as well) I have to change my game plan if I want more than a draw from the game. You'll also want to check if there's space out wide or centrally. Against exposed midfield pairings (non narrow 4-4-2's etc.) you can just go through the space in the middle of the park and overwhelm the pivot. Opposition who play on wider settings will leave more space between players, which can help you play through them. You can then take a look on an individualized role basis. If the opposition is primarily defensive and using roles that cut inside, they will leave space you can get after (WP, IWB etc.). Aside from clear cut situations like role movement, a 4-3-3 w/ a selfish attacking winger on one side will often stay high exposing his fullback. This isn't always a space to exploit if the fullback is equipped to hold down the fort solo, but if he isn't I would look to create an overload to exploit that space. The positional play feature offers a lot of upside to knowing how a role will function and how to tweak your own roles to exploit that. Many roles with "roam" on them can leave space as they leave their defensive structure in favor of individualized movement (roam doesn't work the same on all roles, some roam defensively). Same goes for a player with traits that could see him continually give you a space to exploit.

Could always try something like this, but I agree w/ @crusadertsar that MEZ on narrow is what you're looking for. MEZ(s), compared to attack, can see him progress the play more in line with his teammates around him if you're looking for combinations like an overlap.

Sounds like the result of playing on a high tempo. I would also examine your choice of striker if this is happening.

I would go Halfback + double wingback (a) for something like this. Maybe a MEZ(S) + CAR? Mix things up a little A back 5 w/a libero is another option here, a 3-4-2-1- is a very defensively solid formation which would address some of your out of possession issues.

There are so many variations of a tactic that it's difficult to say, "I'm going up against a 4-2-3-1 so I will do X." They could be a high pressing 4-2-3-1, a double IWB 4-2-3-1, or a midblock counter attack 4-2-3-1 etc. I would try to stick to your game plan when possible and play to your strengths to start out. Look at the empty space on the pitch when you have the ball / don't have the ball and make adjustments based on that. Watching matches in full for the first 15-20 minutes can help you get a feel of if you need to make tweaks and see how your side plays. Pace is a real killer, these are player's capable of exploiting that empty space and can demand tactical changes to exploit/prevent their ability. How you make changes isn't a rock paper scissors scenario, but about nullifying threats (what is their game plan/how do they score goals) and exploiting tactical or player weaknesses in the opposition. Role changes (looking at role combinations) are a nice way to do this along with finding TI combos you find effective for in match changes. Pass maps and match momentum are two in game tools I'd highlight as well.

This can work fine! I wouldn't use it every game you play though. I also think you will struggle with this on shorter passing. It's a style that is built to absorb pressure and then hit the opposition team in transition, you might consider an all attack role frontline for something like this. This can work on a high press or lower lines system but it's reliant on the opposition being willing to come out and play. I'd leave "hold shape" unticked as well. If they park the bus or are letting you dictate the tempo of the match, then I would prefer a different approach. No need to drop the DM(s) but I might want a hard working profile or role for the AP or CM(a).

I am no guru either, but thank you Cool to see you've got a RPM as the 6 in that tactic, it's a role I always mean to use more but never actually do. It will play to the individual player's strengths a bit more. Mount is not that creative in FM and I usually look for a MEZ(s/a) who can carry the ball and break lines w/his passes (and Fernandes is the more creative 8 of the two). I think an industrious up and down runner will benefit you in and out of possession while providing a strong goal threat in the central spaces. I also prefer MEZ's who are played on the side of their strong foot and Mount is right footed I believe. Mount's big strengths are his off the ball and ability to run himself into the ground for the team, BBM (or SV) lets you get the best out of those imo and pairs well w/Fernandes. Maybe you could try Fernandes as a RPM next to him? That sounds fun, altho the CM(a) I'm sure is just fine anyways. It's not definitive, it's just a weakness of the IWB(s) in a 4-3-3 that doesn't exist w/ the double IFB(d) variant. If your side is not built to transition the ball quickly or attack space then you won't be able to exploit that weakness as effectively. It doesn't mean you score every time the ball turns over against a 4-3-3 IWB(s) but it does mean there's a gap in their defensive structure you can get at consistently on turnovers.

It's so good, I hate playing against it when I'm counter attacking. Love going against an IWB setup in a 4-3-3 though The difference is that the IWB(s) will be inside playing as a 6 when the ball is turned over. This will create a gap down his side of the pitch that can be exploited. In terms of playing against it..stick your quick, dribbly winger on that side and have a field day w/ a direct transition. The double IFB(d) on the other hand, cover both sides of the pitch in and out of possession. In possession the Libero(d) will step into midfield as a 6, if the ball is turned there's a foundation of 3 defenders behind him without that clear weak point before he moves back into position. If you want a 4-3-3 IWB formation I'd recommend a CAR on the IWB(s)'s side to babysit him (I'd still go double IFB, see Man City's approach compared to Liverpool's with Trent). On my takes on a 4-3-3 like this: I would recommend running two traditional or off footed wingers to stretch the pitch. The stability the double IFB(d) gives the time and space to pull apart the opposition. Wide attackers can stretch the pitch for the inside overloading runners to exploit, while your midfield 4 controls the tempo of the match. I like the DM(s) you've got on your 6. On roles for your two 8's...usually I prefer a bit of height on a CM(a), but it's not necessarily deal breaking if the rotation is working well for you. I'd prefer a BBM on Mount over the MEZ(s). On adjusting vs other shapes, I'd recommend trimming the TI's so you can use them as in match tweaks. In general your team is good enough (and the formation is stable enough) that I would focus on playing your own game as much as possible and dictating to the opponent what will happen. Against teams parking the bus: Utilize overloading central runs, wide width, low tempo and wide attackers pinning the fullbacks. I like to hit crosses early to catch them out before they get too settled. If a team is coming out to play against you, hitting the ball into space isn't a terrible idea with the pace on Rashford/Hojlund (particularly if his defender is slow). Moving the tempo up against higher quality teams will give you less control, but will have more fruitful returns than against a side who are happy to play out of possession and wait for the counter attack. Biggest change for me would be pace to the backline (either of the IFB, you'd like one to be rapid vs counter attacking approaches) and different profile 8's who you can bring on to do different things. You need to find your Kyle Walker to really shore things up (watch Rodrygo run past Akanji for fun in the Champions League). You'll also want to adjust your width a bit to help you break down weaker opposition and scale it back a little bit against more challenging opposition. Finally on your 9: I would say PF(a) is great against difficult opposition. He gives you a threat in behind and will run the channels while working hard for the team out of possession. However, against weak teams that sit in...I would prefer to utilize him as a Poacher. This will see him sit in the box and primarily finish off the moves the team produces (leading to less turnovers) which will help you break down the deep lying defense more efficiently.

Ahh I see now! Cool graphics To follow up on your question from the other thread: On overachieving your XG, I would expect this on a mid block counter attack. You're likely to have less chances overall, but when you do you're more likely to score. On not creating chances...again you will have less on a midblock counter. 27 chances from 18 games is a real concern however. There's not that many roles attacking the space when you win the ball back. If in doubt run a spearheading striker on a midblock counter Facilitating strikers are possible, but are more nuanced. Attack roles are a nice user friendly way to designate who you'd like to attack the space on the counter. In terms of defending: High shots against is not necessarily an issue. If you're forcing shots from range I would consider that a good thing. High XG against w/low conceded against isn't necessarily a huge problem, but I would be concerned about the defensive structure with the Libero stepping into midfield leaving two at the back in transition. If you want to keep the Libero. I'd consider shutting up shop a little. There are a lot of fancy roles in the midfield 4. I'd recommend keeping it simple. Presumably the Libero can step up into the DM strata with an expansive passing range (redundant with the Regista) while his 6 partner serves as the holding, simple passing, defensively responsible pivot member (Rodri like). This will allow the SV(s) to bomb forward still. I would recommend trying a double responsible wingback pairing, since otherwise the two WCB(d) will be the only two holding the fort in possession. I would recommend a double WB(d) and channeling your attacking force through the center of the pitch. To that end (central movement) it would benefit you to open up the width slider a notch. I'm not sure if you'd want to keep the WCB(d) role in that case, a double CD(d) might be what you're looking for. On the front 3...I would recommend the spearheading forward I mentioned earlier for the 9. It will be extremely beneficial if he is tall and quick. AM(s) is just fine as long as he's getting involved enough, might recommend an AP(s) who can link up with the SV(s), but a Treq is quite inactive out of possession. In a mid block I might prefer a SS who will be industrious while providing a burst forward.