Gareth Southgate has switched to a back-three for England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Switzerland.
The England manager has made only one change to the starting XI that earned a dramatic victory over Slovakia in the last round.
Marc Guehi, suspended for the game in Dusseldorf, has been replaced by Ezri Konsa, while Kieran Trippier retains his place in the XI, albeit in the more familiar position of right wing-back.
The shake-up sees Kyle Walker moved into the right centre-back position alongside his Manchester City team-mate John Stones and Konsa. Arsenal‘s Bukayo Saka will begin the tie at left wing-back.
England will play Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden as double No 10s behind Harry Kane, with Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo continuing in the centre of midfield.
Gareth Southgate has switched to a back-three for England’s quarter-final against Switzerland
Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa (middle) has come into the starting XI for the suspended Marc Guehi
Phil Foden (left) and Jude Bellingham (right) will play as double No 10s behind Harry Kane
After using a back-three during England‘s run to the World Cup semi-final in 2018, Southgate has favoured a different system in subsequent major tournaments.
England played with three-at-the-back on two occasions at Euro 2020, both times in an attempt to match the shape of their opponents.
The Three Lions prevailed in this task against Germany in the last-16 three years ago but were undone in the final.
Against Italy, they took an early lead before giving up control and ultimately losing on penalties.
The change in formation has allowed Southgate to field a number of his players in more familiar positions. With the exception of Saka, who, despite preferring a more advanced role has still made 22 appearances at left-back during his career, every player is in a more comfortable part of the pitch.
Most notable of course is Foden, who will get the chance to start from a central position against Switzerland. The City star has struggled to stamp his authority on this tournament as he did in the Premier League last season and it is hoped England will get the best from him alongside Bellingham.
Switzerland have continued with the 3-4-2-1 system they have used throughout the tournament.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has not started since England’s second group stage match against Denmark
Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has recovered from an injury in time to make the starting XI for Switzerland
Murat Yakin’s side have won a lot of fans for their performances so far, with their last 16 win over defending champions Italy a particular highlight.
Former Arsenal midfielder and Swiss talisman Granit Xhaka is fit to start against England after recovering from an injury scare in the build-up.
