Gareth Southgate could finally make radical England change for Switzerland clash
England have made it to the quarter final of Euro 2024, despite failing to reach the levels expected of them – and ahead of facing Switzerland, Gareth Southgate could make a tactical switch
Gareth Southgate could be ready to make a tactical change for England’s Euros quarter final showdown with Switzerland.
England worked on using a back-three formation in training on Wednesday just three days ahead of the showdown in Dusseldorf. It could be in preparation to face the Swiss because their national boss Murat Yakin is renowned for being flexible with his selections.
Switzerland have also used a back three themselves and England had mannequins in that formation ready for an open training session before they closed it off to the public.
England boss Gareth Southgate has struggled to find a formula in this tournament and has struggled to get the best from attacking trio Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
They have also been without a conventional left back as Luke Shaw has not played since February and came to the Euros as a wildcard. Shaw even decided not to do a press conference on Wednesday so as not to tempt fate and Southgate may be looking for different solutions.
Southgate made a huge success of using a back three in the 2018 World Cup and that carried them all the way to the semi final. The England boss did say ahead of the Euros that they had not considered going back to a back three but they are clearly considering it now.
Southgate has been reluctant to change his team despite the slow start with Kobbie Mainoo and Conor Gallagher the only changes in midfield.
Gareth Southgate was working on the new shape with England’s players on Wednesday
But now a switch of system could be on the cards though for the Switzerland game as Southgate needs a change in fortunes and uplift in performances to live up to expectations.
They still have two more days of full training before the Dusseldorf showdown in Switzerland. Yakin has insisted the Swiss are confident of taking another scalp, having dominated Italy in the previous round.
“We played against Germany we were good, we played against Italy, also a big team, and why can’t we beat England?” Yakin said.
“We’re in a good mood now. Let’s see, it’s a good challenge and my team is ready to have this big fight against England.”
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