RUSSIA 2018 and England reach the last four of the World Cup. Gareth Southgate introduces a three-man defensive unit and a nation rediscovers love for the national side.

For their last two Nations League games, he not only ditched his waistcoat, but also his system. Four at the back is back.

Southgate’s former Middlesbrough centre-half partner Matthew Bates has followed the national boss in adopting a 3-5-2 set-up at Hartlepool United.

Pools started the season playing 3-4-3, but soon switched to 3-5-2. It looks set to stay at the Super 6 Stadium. Bates’ side takes on Sutton United today, seeking a home win in a season in which they have only lost twice in 16 games.

Bates may be happy with the formation, he has players suited to the set-up and particularly the back three and midfield three.

The formation isn’t without its critics and Bates insists he is willing to adapt and alter.

“We play that way at the moment, but we work on different formations in training,’’ he mused. “I am always looking at different things. We have worked a lot on 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 in training, so we do have options to change.

“We have the personnel who can change games, but if you said I would be a manager who would play 3-5-2 all my career, I would say you are wrong. It’s something I like, it suits us at the moment and the squad we have is suited to it, but who is to say we won’t change…’’

Carl Magnay, part of the back line, admitted recently he felt the set-up was perfect for him at this stage of his career after signing for Pools predominantly as a right-back.

And Bates added: “The system with three at the back suits the players we have, and we have been strong defensively. The system keeps us strong defensively, but also keeps us with two up top which I think is important in this league.

“It’s worked well for us this formation in the grand scheme of things. OK, maybe we haven’t scored as many goals as we would like to but we have a great record at the back and the midfielders have done well – but it’s not something which I am rigidly stuck on. We looked at something the other day when we tried to get Mags further forward with the ball. We work on training in getting him in midfield and we are always looking at it.

“I played three at the back at Boro under Tony Mowbray and it worked quite well.’’

Pools twice drew with today’s opposition last season, conceding a late, late leveller at home. They sit one place and two points behind Pools in the table.

Bates, who takes his side to Wrexham on Tuesday, said: “Sutton are a strong side, get the ball forward early, look for second balls and start to play in our half. We took a good point down there last season which was vital in terms of our survival.

“They have lost a key striker, Lafayette who was a big striker for them, and Nicky Bailey who I know from Middlesbrough is suspended. I know it will be a tough game.

“They should come here and have a go – they made the play-offs last season and will want the same again. It sets up for an entertaining game.

“I’ve looked at the table a couple of weeks ago and there was a little gap opening up between us and those below, but it can change in a week. We look after ourselves, stay in touching distance with the top places and see where we can go.’’