ENGLAND PREDICTED XI FOR SWITZERLAND CLASH AS GARETH SOUTHGATE PONDERS FORMATION CHANGE
Gareth Southgate looks set to turn to a new formation as England bid to qualify for the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
The Three Lions face Switzerland in their quarter-final clash after goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane ensured they scraped past Slovakia following extra time. Switzerland earned their place in the final eight thanks to a 2-0 win over Italy with goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas.
Southgate's side were far from convincing for large stretches of the game, and onlookers were left frustrated by the England boss's reluctance to make use of his substitutes. Ivan Toney's late arrival in the game proved decisive with the Brentford forward providing the assist that saw Bellingham force an additional 30 minutes of play.
Changes are set to occur in time for the game against the Swiss. A change in formation will not necessarily see the likes of Cole Palmer or Anthony Gordon come into the lineup or a dramatic refresh of the forward line however.
Jordan Pickford will start in goal to earn his 66th cap for the national side and could see an alteration to the defence selected in front of him. England have made use of a back three in training this week, while Marc Guehi is suspended for Saturday's match having picked up a second yellow card of the tournament against Slovakia.
That will see Ezri Konsa come into the side for his first start of the tournament. The versatile Aston Villa defender has played just 15 minutes in Germany, in England's previous match.
The 26-year-old will join John Stones, who trained on Friday without the strapping that had covered his right leg earlier in the week, and Kyle Walker. If Southgate does make the decision to play a back three, it could see Trent Alexander-Arnold come into the side at right wing-back.
That would see Bukayo Saka playing on the left side after a brief foray into the position last time out. Equally, the XI could be set up as back four with Kieran Trippier continuing on the left side.
Kobbie Mainoo is likely to start alongside Declan Rice at the base of midfield for the second time in a row, while Phil Foden, Kane and Bellingham will continue in the forward line. Should Saka feature at wing-back, it should allow a slightly more central role for Man City ace Foden alongside Bellingham in supporting England captain Kane.
Expected England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Konsa; Alexander-Arnold, Mainoo, Rice, Saka; Bellingham, Foden; Kane.
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2024-07-05T11:35:52Z dg43tfdfdgfd