England considering big tactical switch for Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Switzerland - Reports
According to The Times, Gareth Southgate is considering switching to a back-three for their upcoming Euro 2024 quarterfinal clash against Switzerland. The Three Lions will face the Swiss at Merkur Spiel-Arena, Dusseldorf, on Saturday, July 6.
The Three Lions have previously used the formation in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and in their Euro 2020 fixtures against Italy and Germany. Ahead of their last eight clash against Switzerland, England have been practicing with a three-man defense.
Marc Guehi is suspended for the quarter-final and Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa looks set to replace the Crystal Palace centre-back. Kyle Walker and John Stones are set to partner Konsa, as per Paul Joyce of The Times. Stones, though, had heavily strapped his leg in training, as per the same report.
If Southgate uses a back-three against Switzerland, Trent Alexander-Arnold could fill in as the right wing-back while Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka are the candidates to play as the left wing-back.
England managed a last-ditch comeback in their Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash against Slovakia. Jude Bellingham equalized with a spectacular overhead kick in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time. Harry Kane then scored the winner in the first minute of extra time to hand the Three Lions a win.
Gareth Southgate agrees England should be performing better at Euro 2024
England have one of the deepest talent pools at Euro 2024. Not to mention they have left home world-class players like Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford, Reece James, and more.
However, Gareth Southgate's side have have failed to dominate games so far, scraping past opponents they would be expected to beat comfortably. Southgate addressed the issue, telling the media (via the BBC):
"We know we should be better than we've been but we've ended up with a lot of young players in important positions and trying to solve problems right the way through the four weeks of the camp."
Southgate, however, pointed out that the players have remained firm in their belief and have grounded out the necessary results. With a favorable draw in the knockouts, the Three Lions will be hoping to make it to the final of the continental tournament in Germany.