Football news recap – Build-up to England game with possible tactical switch, Man Utd first choice for Matthijs de Ligt – Eurosport

England: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Konsa; Trippier, Mainoo, Rice, Saka; Bellingham, Foden, Kane

Switzerland: Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Aebischer, Freuler, Xhaka, Rieder; Vargas, Ndoye, Embolo

As expected, Ezri Konsa in for the suspended Marc Guéhi in central defence with Kieran Trippier on the right and Bukayo Saka on the left.

An estimated 30,000 England fans in Dusseldorf with 7,000 having a golden ticket to the game. As always, the Three Lions have plenty of support behind them.

He will be content to play second fiddle to GOAT rival Lionel Messi on this particular shot count.

Bologna’s Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a £34m move to Old Trafford after scoring 11 times and providing four assists in Serie A last season.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson has signed a new one-year deal at Turf Moor a week after his contract ran out.

A place in the last four beckons if Murat Yakin’s side can continue their impressive form by overcoming England in the Euro 2024 last eight today. They’ve yet to taste defeat at the event with Hungary (3-1), Scotland (1-1), Germany (1-1) and Italy (2-0) all failing to overcome them.

According to reports, the London club are on the brink of landing 18-year-old defender Aaron Anselmino from Boca Juniors for a fee in the region of £15m and Basel defender Renato Veiga for £20m. Anselmino apparently won’t arrive at Stamford Bridge until December.

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed his worries over reverting to a back three against the Swiss. “I think we’re better in a back three, with the personnel and profile that we’ve got available at the moment,” Ferdinand told the BBC.

“But my biggest worry will be that we become a back five and we stay there. In every game so far we’ve stepped backwards and been in a low block.

“If you do that with a back five, we won’t get out and we’ll be sitting there waiting to get beat.”

Could be an option for the Three Lions this afternoon with speculation mounting that Gareth Southgate could revert to a three-man defence to face Switzerland in Dusseldorf. The emphasis will be firmly on attack if that is how they start the Euro 2024 quarter-final.

Speculation that the Brighton and Germany midfielder could be joining Borussia Dortmund this summer, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, who claims Dortmund are willing to pay around £7m to get a deal over the line.

The surface in Dusseldorf looks ripe for a quality encounter between England and Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.

The Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji is a superb defender, but can also provide a serious threat in the opposition box. England will be well versed on his quality ahead of today’s Euro 2024 quarter-final in Dusseldorf.

Midfielder Shandon Baptiste has joined Luton Town after leaving Brentford. Rob Edwards’ side were relegated from the Premier League last season, but will bid to return to the top flight at the first time of asking.

“I feel like Luton is the right place for me,” he said. “Watching the club play last season, it was clear that something big was happening here and I want to be a part of it.

“There are good players and a good manager here so I’m hopeful that we can do big things together.

“I’ve had a lot of injuries during my career, but I feel like I’ve passed that now and hopefully I can just look forward to doing great things in the Luton shirt.”

Colombian defender Anderson Arroyo has left Liverpool to join Spanish side Spanish side Burgos CF on a permanent deal.

“The way I look at football, I can see from the Euros how important it is to work on a daily basis for a longer time with a team,” the new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has told the media.

“You see a lot of good players and not all of them have the same level that they have at their clubs. That proves how important it is to work with players on a daily basis and get the best out of them.

“That’s something we’re going to do. The longer a team plays together, if there’s a good head coach, then normally you will see things improve. I’m fortunate going to a club where not many transfers go out of the club. It’s more difficult to have progress when you lose players.”

And England fans are gathering in Dusseldorf ahead of the 5pm kick-off with Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. The winners will face the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals.

Mikel Merino headed Spain into the Euro 2024 semi-finals against Germany with a winning goal that was the third latest in the history of the event.

The Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos expressed his pride despite Germany’s 2-1 agonising extra-time loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.

“Every game could be my last game for a few weeks now, but today really is the last game, and I’m proud of our team,” Kroos told AP.

“We’ve really taken a step forward if you look into the last five or six months, how the team was then and how it is now, fighting against the best.

“This team has a great future, we have great players. I hope they’ll keep growing. I’ll see them on TV.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold showing how it should be done against Switzerland in Dusseldorf with a cracking half-volley in training. Not even Peter Shilton would be stopping this little beauty.

Leicester have announced the signing of Jamaica winger Bobby Decordova-Reid on a three-year deal from Fulham under freedom of contract.

“Turning up here was a special moment, looking around and seeing the infrastructure,” said Decordova-Reid. “It’s got that wow factor. It feels nice. I’m delighted to be here and I can’t wait to get going.

“I had a good chat with the manager, he told me the vision of the Club. I spoke to him a few times and he was very clear in what he wanted and what he saw in me. He believes in me and it’s a perfect fit for me.”

Brighton have landed midfielder Mats Wieffer from Feyenoord in a deal worth over £25m, but new Liverpool manager Arne Slot has dismissed reports he was interested in taking the player to Anfield.

“No, I have not spoken to Mats. I think it is very nice to meet him, but I hope he does not want to prove too much to his old coach,” said Slot.

“I think it’s especially great for him, when you see where he comes from.

“That he can make the step to the Premier League two years after he came from Excelsior. That’s great for him.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Toni Kroos all bowed out of Euro 2024 at the quarter-final stage in what is likely to be their final appearances as players at the tournament.

How do you get the best out of an England squad dripping with world-class talent, but so far underperforming at Euro 2024? Do you opt for a three-man defence? Do you find room for Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane in the same side? Do you bring in Ivan Toney from the start? Do you start Bukayo Saka and Trent Alexander-Arnold as wing-backs? Decisions, decisions for Gareth Southgate in Dusseldorf.

According to media reports in the Netherlands, the agent of Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt is speaking to Manchester United about a potential summer switch to Old Trafford.

The Dutch international is apparently keen to work with United manager Erik ten Hag, but Bayern are demanding a fee over £40m for De Ligt, who of course worked under Ten Hag at Ajax.

Kilman has left Wolves to join Premier League rivals West Ham in a £40m deal that will see him step out at the London Stadium under new Hammers head coach Julen Lopetegui next season.

“West Ham is a massive Club and I feel this is the natural next step forward in my career,” said the central defender.

“Playing in front of a passionate fan-base, with 62,500 supporters packing out London Stadium every other week, is something I am incredibly excited about.

“Having spoken at length to both Julen and Tim [Steidten], I was hugely encouraged about the ambition of the Club and their plans for the future. They want to make a big noise here at West Ham and as a new player coming in, that’s an incredible thing to hear.

“I’m looking forward to getting down to work and preparing for an exciting season ahead.”

Riccardo Calafiori has apparently agreed personal terms with Arsenal, according to transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano.

The Bologna and Italy defender is keen on the move, but a fee between the clubs has yet to be agreed.

Having drawn 1-1 with hosts Germany in the group stage and outclassing defending champions Italy 2-0 in the last 16, Switzerland are ready to meet the challenge of confronting England in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals today (5pm kick-off in Dusseldorf).

“England have a lot of quality, but we are in good shape, have a lot of confidence, and have shown we can play against big teams like Italy and Germany,” says manager Murat Yakin. “We will cause problems for the English.

“Tomorrow we will face a very different opponent compared to Italy. The English have a lot of quality in their team, so we expect to be put under much more pressure.

“However, we will continue to follow our playing philosophy. We have already shown that we can cause problems for the big teams.”

The Netherlands meet Turkey tonight in Berlin in the final Euro 2024 quarter-final. Daley Blind expects Turkey to bring plenty of passion to the occasion supported by a vociferous travelling support.

“It will be an away match, I think,” said Dutch defender Blind. “The Turks will be there en masse, and they are passionate. It will be an emotional match. We have to be on our guard, be well prepared.”

Alisha Lehmann has left Aston Villa Women to join Juventus after her partner Douglas Luiz completed his move to the Turin club last month.

Chelsea have announced the signing of France forward Sandy Baltimore on a four-year deal.

Baltimore has arrived in London after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

“I’m very happy to join Chelsea. It feels incredible,” said Baltimore. “I have always wanted to play for Chelsea and now look, it has happened!”

Gareth Southgate has responded to the notion that England can look past their Euro 2024 quarter-final with Switzerland and focus on a first-ever final on foreign soil.

The 53-year-old described the nation’s attitude as “entitlement”. Luke Shaw is available to start for Southgate on Saturday, though the England boss paid tribute to Newcastle full-back Kieran Trippier in Friday’s press conference.

“We’re playing a football nation who have played enormously well and have pride. Our focus is on how we play to the best of our ability.

“We’ve only had two finals in our history, three semi-finals. Lots of nations who we might perceive to be smaller have far better records than us.

“It’s half the problem we have. We’re ready for tomorrow and have huge respect for our opponents.”

France are through to the semi-finals of another major tournament, but the run has been overshadowed by a raft of criticism for their blunt record in front of goal.

West Ham have apparently paid Premier League rivals Wolves a whopping £40m to land central defender Max Kilman on a seven-year deal.

Which is quite an increase on the £40,000 Wolves paid Maidenhead to sign their club captain six years ago. Kilman is the club’s latest signing under new manager Julen Lopetegui after Luis Guilherme and Wes Foderingham.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be a West Ham United player. As soon as I was aware of the interest from the club, it was an opportunity I was keen to pursue, so I couldn’t be more delighted to be here,” said Kilman on the London club’s official website.

Chelsea are set to complete an £11.9m deal to land Portugal U21 midfielder Renato Veiga on an eight-year deal, according to transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano.

The deal will go through when the player completes a medical at Stamford Bridge.

The televised 2024-25 Premier League fixtures have been announced for the rest of August and September, with TNT Sports set to show matches involving Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City in a blockbuster opening to the season.

Ahead of these matches, TNT Sports and discovery+ will broadcast the opening weekend clash between Liverpool and Ipswich Town.

TNT Sports has announced the latest set of crunch fixtures it will broadcast over the course of August and September as the new Premier League season kicks into gear.

Chelsea have reportedly had a bid rejected for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion.

According to The Sun, The Blues submitted a bid of £42m for the Spain under-21 international – but Atleti are holding out for “at least £70m”.

“Chelsea have had a £42million bid for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion rejected by the Spanish club who are holding out for at least £70m,” reads the article.

“The Spain under-21 international has been likened to former Atletico and Chelsea icon Diego Costa.

“And with four years left on his contract the Spanish club are in a strong negotiating position.

“Omorodion has been identified by Chelsea’s owners and recruitment team led by Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart as he fits the club’s profile of a talented youngster with huge potential.

“But new head coach Enzo Maresca has also welcomed the pursuit.

“The Spanish boss has made clear that he wants an extra striker to put pressure on Chelsea’s current front-man Nicolas Jackson.”

With central defender Marc Guehi suspended, there is speculation this morning that England manager Gareth Southgate might opt for a three-man defence against the Swiss later today (Dusseldorf 5pm kick-off). Southgate has deployed a four-man rearguard so far at Euro 2024, but will he be temped to return to a system that saw England defeat Germany 2-0 in the last 16 at the last European Championship?

John Stones, Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw could be given the nod if all are fit and well with Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez or Ezri Konsa other options if Shaw is not declared match fit. “It is always an option, obviously an option we have been hammered for, for the last two years for using,” said Southgate. “So it’s interesting that people think it’s the way we should go now.”

Whatever the decision, England fans are more interested in improved performance rather than formations.

Liverpool are favourites to sign Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.

The Reds could beat Juventus to the Netherlands international, who was admired by Jurgen Klopp when he was the manager at Anfield.

“Liverpool are reportedly in ‘pole position’ to hijack Juventus’ deal for Atalanta midfielder and Jurgen Klopp favourite Teun Koopmeiners,” states the Mirror.

“A new midfielder is on the agenda for Liverpool boss Arne Slot, and it seems as though the Reds are now attempting to capture Koopmeiners under Juventus ‘ noses.

“A deal was agreed between the two Italian clubs for the Dutchman’s signature but Atalanta now seemingly prefer to offload Koopemeiners to someone other than a Serie A rival.

“Jurgen Klopp was interested in bringing the midfielder to Anfield when he was in charge, and his past wishes could come true should this deal go through.

“The 26-year-old Koopmeiners expressed an interest in leaving Bergamo so when Juventus offered him £3.5million he was keen on making a move.

“Despite agreeing terms with Juventus, Gazzetta dello Sport, as per Sport Witness, claims that Liverpool are frontrunners for his signature. Atalanta have put the deal on ice since the agreement with the player was made, hoping that they’ll be able to sell Koopmeiners abroad and not to a direct rival.

“They value their player at £55million, which is the only hurdle if a deal with Liverpool is to be concluded and Koopmeiners makes his move to the Premier League.”

Manchester United could snap up Juventus forward Federico Chiesa for just £20 million.

That is according to a report in The Sun, which claims Juventus are keen to offload the Italy international, with The Red Devils seemingly interested.

“Manchester United have reportedly been handed a huge transfer boost with Juventus ready to sell Federico Chiesa,” writes the outlet.

“The Italy star managed nine goals and two assists in 33 games this season.

“But his £150,000-a-week contract expires next year.

“And Fabrizio Romano claims Chiesa is not in the plans of new manager Thiago Motta.

“He is instead hoping to land a new winger once Juventus complete a hat-trick of midfield signings.

“And it’s reckoned Chiesa could be available for as little as £20million.

“Newcastle and Tottenham are long-term admirers of the 26-year-old, who joined Juve from Fiorentina in 2020 for £50m.

“But United could be in the driving seat for Chiesa as they hunt for a new wide forward.”

England expects today against Switzerland (5pm kick-off in Dusseldorf) before the Netherlands and Turkey do battle (8pm in Berlin).

We have all the build-up to those huge quarter-final matches and the main transfer news and done deals around the club game. Another massive day ahead on planet football.