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Three options for England’s line-up against Switzerland as key player suspended and Southgate forced to make tactical changes

Theo

GARETH SOUTHGATE will be forced to make at least one change for England’s quarter-final at Euro 2024 – but there could be a lot of changes.

The impressive performance of the substitutes in Sunday evening’s thrilling comeback against Slovakia could prompt the coach to rethink his line-up against Switzerland.

Gareth Southgate has a lot to think about ahead of England’s clash with SwitzerlandPhoto credit: Getty
Jude Bellingham’s spectacular overhead kick saved England from a humiliation against SlovakiaPhoto credit: EPA

England advanced to the next round in dramatic fashion after Jude Bellingham equalised with an acrobatic finish in the closing stages of injury time.

Southgate changed his system in extra time to force the winning goal by playing with two strikers, with Ivan Toney playing alongside Harry Kane.

And his bet paid off, as Kane headed in the decisive goal to make it 2-1 after an assist from Toney.

There were also positive guest appearances from Ezri Konsa, Eberechi Eze and Cole Palmer.

However, Southgate’s plans have also suffered some setbacks, as suspensions and possible injuries could hamper England’s chances against the Swiss.

Marc Guehi, arguably England’s best player of the tournament so far, received his second yellow card in Germany and will therefore miss the game against Switzerland due to suspension.

And Kieran Tripper limped off the pitch in Gelsenkirchen in the 66th minute, raising fears that he might have been injured.

Here are three ways Southgate could divide his squad for Saturday’s quarter-finals…

Marc Guehi will miss the quarter-finals due to suspensionPhoto credit: Getty
Kieran Trippier’s participation is questionable due to injuryPhoto credit: Getty

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IF IT’S NOT BROKEN

Most England fans would say that the Three Lions’ style of play is not good enough.

But regardless of the style, England did its job and advanced to the quarter-finals.

Player ratings England vs Slovakia

Southgate has been stubborn with his lineups in the past and if Kieran Tripper is fit to play, he will likely make only one change to his starting lineup against Switzerland.

Guehi must be left out of the squad and the most likely replacement for him in central defence is Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa after he got his first minutes of the tournament – something that Joe Gomez and Lewis Dunk have not yet experienced.

Konsa looked confident in his appearance against Slovakia and could easily fill the left midfield position, as he played there under Unai Emery last season and also temporarily as a right defender.

Of course, Southgate would have to hope that Trippier passes a fitness test for this lineup.

Ezri Konsa will probably step in for GuehiPhoto credit: PA

Set the tone

Toney was arguably one of England’s best players last night, despite only playing just over 30 minutes of football.

The Brentford striker won three free kicks and provided an assist in his brief cameo appearance.

On the pitch, he shared the spotlight with captain Kane and Southgate may be looking for a way to get both stars on the field for the full 90 minutes at the same time.

A back five could facilitate this option, as England use full-backs rather than pure wingers to create width.

The best of England against Slovakia

Watch the best action from England’s rollercoaster round of 16 tie against Slovakia at Euro 2024.

This would of course mean that England would have to do without Foden and Saka on the pitch, but with two strikers in attack the team would be more direct and would pose a greater goal threat.

Playing with a five would also allow the Three Lions to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold back into the team – who uses his long balls to find Toney and Kane in the box.

Luke Shaw would fit perfectly on the left side, but if he is not fit enough to start, Tripper could also take on that role.

If Tripper is also injured, England can bet that Saka can play as a left wing-back to add even more attacking power, as he did for much of the win against Slovakia.

It should be noted that Switzerland itself plays with a back five and therefore it might not be a bad idea to line them up man-to-man.

Luke Shaw is back in full training for England, but will not be playing at the 2024 European ChampionshipPhoto credit: Alamy

KEEP YOUR HAND AND MOVE ON

A final option for England would be to swap the wingers but keep the back four.

Fans have long been calling for Cole Palmer to start at this tournament, with the Chelsea prodigy potentially replacing Saka on the right wing.

On another quiet evening for Foden, Southgate could give Anthony Gordon a chance on the left wing after his promising, if brief, cameo against Slovenia.

Kobbie Mainoo will certainly keep his place alongside Declan Rice after impressing from the start last night.

Southgate may have to think about who he uses at left-back in this lineup if both Tripper and Shaw are missing.

In a back four, this would most likely mean Konsa filling in for Guehi as left centre-back and Gomez playing as a more defensive left-back.

Gomez’s defensive tendencies would be another reason to have Gordon, a more direct winger, play in front of him.

Fans really want to see Cole Palmer play for EnglandPhoto credit: PA
Joe Gomez could move into the squad as a left-backPhoto credit: Rex

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