Gareth Southgate will make a major tactical change to his England side for today’s Euro 2024 quarter-final showdown against Switzerland.
The Three Lions have continued to underwhelm in Germany this summer, scraping through to the last eight thanks to some late magic from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane against Slovakia.
Southgate has resisted making any major changes to his side across their four games with Conor Gallagher coming into midfield in the final group game against Slovenia with Kobbie Mainoo subsequently taking his place last Sunday in Gelsenkirchen.
But the England boss will be forced into at least one change this week with Marc Guehi suspended for the game in Dusseldorf.
His absence will prompt a further reshuffle however with Southgate set to switch to a back three formation.
England have not used that system in a competitive game since their Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy but it is set to make a return tonight.
Ezri Konsa is expected to come into the side to replace Guehi alongside John Stones with Kyle Walker set to shift inside and join them as part of that new back three.
Southgate has trialled a number of different players in different roles in training this week but Sky Sports report he will switch Kieran Trippier over to a more familiar role at right wing-back with Bukayo Saka set to start at left wing-back.
It means there will be no room in the starting XI for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Expected England XI vs Switzerland
Trippier started at right wing-back the last time England used a three at the back system in that Wembley final against Italy three years ago. He also took up that role in the 2018 World Cup semi-final against Croatia.
Luke Shaw was declared fit enough to start by Southgate despite not playing any football since February but Saka is set to be given the nod ahead of him,
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Southgate indicated he would keep faith in Trippier.
‘Kieran Trippier has been absolutely outstanding for us. Luke is available to start but Kieran has also done a brilliant job for the team,’ Southgate said.
‘He doesn’t give us the balance a natural left-footer gives you but his leadership, his communication – ask the players he plays with.
‘It’s a much under-valued quality and a dying art I think. You can’t have enough good talkers on the pitch and he has great quality in that area. He’s adapted and done a brilliant, brilliant job for us.’
Kobbie Mainoo will hope to retain his place in midfield alongside Declan Rice with Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham both likely to operate in no10 roles.
Foden’s position and performances have been under scrutiny over the last three weeks but speaking at a press conference on Friday, Southgate gave no indication he was considering his role in the team.
MORE : England vs Switzerland: Build-up to Euro 2024 quarter-final clash
MORE : William Saliba reacts to shutting out Cristiano Ronaldo in France’s Euro 2024 win over Portugal