Rio Ferdinand predicts England's starting XI for Euro 2024 quarterfinal against Switzerland
Rio Ferdinand has made a prediction for England's starting XI for their clash against Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. The Manchester United legend does not see Gareth Southgate making any major changes to his lineup.
The Three Lions recently defeated Slovakia 2-1 in the Round of 16 of the tournament. They conceded in the first half and looked set to be eliminated from the Euro 2024 as regulation 90 came to an end.
However, an extraordinary bicycle kick from Jude Bellingham in stoppage time earned a lifeline for England as the match went on to extra time. Harry Kane then found the back of the net in the 91st minute to book a spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. The Three Lions will next face Switzerland on Saturday, July 6.
Ferdinand believes Southgate will name the same XI that faced Slovakia in the last-16, with only one forced change. He said (via The Mirror):
"This is what I think Gareth will play. Jordan Pickford picks himself. Right-back, Kyle Walker. Marc Guehi is suspended so Ezri Konsa will come in I think. John Stones and then I still think he will play Kieran Trippier at left-back."
"I think he keeps it the same: Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Harry Kane. I don’t think he changes. I cannot see him making changes. I think we will see late subs again and win the game."
Marc Guehi, who received his second yellow card of the tournament against Slovakia, is set to miss the Switzerland clash due to suspension.
"He’s finding it difficult" - Rio Ferdinand names England star he would pick over Kieran Tripper for Euro 2024 tie against Switzerland
Rio Ferdinand admitted that he would rather play Luke Shaw than Kieran Trippier at left-back. The pundit believes Trippier, a right-back, does not possess the understanding required to play on the left.
Shaw struggled with various injuries during the 2023-24 season, making only 15 appearances for Manchester United. While he has been included in the squad, Shaw has been an unused substitute for England so far due to his fitness issues.
However, Ferdinand would prefer Shaw over Trippier even if the Manchester United defender is not fully fit. This is because he's the only natural left-back in England's Euro 2024 squad.
Ferdinand said:
"I would play Luke Shaw, I would get him out there even if he was 75% fit, I’m sorry. He would give us the balance that we need. I would play him. I don’t think Trippier has that real understanding of playing left-back. He’s a great right-back and a great player but he’s finding it difficult. I think he plays Trippier though, as much as I would play Shaw."
Manager Gareth Southgate put Bukayo Saka as a left-back against Slovakia after Trippier was subbed off in the game.