4-4-1-1

A variation of 4–4–2 with one of the strikers playing “in the hole”, or as a “second striker”, slightly behind their partner.[19] The second striker is generally a more creative player, the playmaker, who can drop into midfield to pick up the ball before running with it or passing to teammates.[19] Interpretations of 4–4–1–1 can be slightly muddled, as some might say that the extent to which one forward has dropped off and separated from the other can be debated.

In the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final match against Germany, United States manager Jill Ellis moved from a traditional 4–4–2 with Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan up top, to a 4–4–1–1 formation replacing Wambach with a withdrawn Carli Lloyd in the hole as a playmaker. The Americans, who had underwhelmed to that point in the tournament, controlled the match for a 2–0 win. The defensive play of Morgan Brian and Lauren Holiday was credited by NBC Sports as unlocking the formation’s attacking potential.[20][21] The German team’s stronger midfield stretched out of shape to combat the Americans’ wide threats, opening space for Lloyd’s central distribution.[22]

In the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals, Phil Neville employed the 4–4–1–1 as manager of England against the United States, but deployed right attacker Nikita Parris out of position in the hole and forward Beth Mead also out of position deeper in the midfield. Former Lioness-turned-commentator Eniola Aluko said the tactical shift “failed massively” as the United States scored in the 10th minute and again in the first half, while England struggled to connect play. Despite a reversion to a 4–2–3–1 at half, the Lionesses lost 2–1.[23][24]