Duchess Sophie’s ‘gentle’ dig at Oprah after explosive Meghan Markle interview

Sophie hit out at the bombshell TV special in her own very understated way – whilst still managing to navigate royal protocol.

The Royal Family motto is never complain, never explain.

So it’s little wonder that frontline royals made little comment on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey, which aired in 2021.

But the American TV special was littered with allegations which took aim at the Firm, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex claiming they’d not been supported as they struggled with their mental health.

Harry also claimed his brother Prince William and King Charles were “trapped” inside the monarchy – and seemed to criticise his father’s parenting in subsequent interviews.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward’s wife, made her own subtle dig at the Sussexes’ appearance on the TV show in a very understated way.

Sophie and Edward joked by claiming “Oprah who?” when asked whether they had sat down and watched the Sussexes’ CBS chat.

Sophie then added: “Yes, what interview?”

This was followed up when Sophie then admitted there was “no reason to know who” the US chat show legend was.

She was criticised at the time by some on social media as the 59-year-old visited the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in 2013.

Sophie visited the course and its students in Meyerton, South Africa, as part of a week-long visit to the country with her husband Edward.

Trending

Sophie’s remark came up after the couple were quizzed about a moment when Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, had a long conversation with Oprah – but was unaware of who she was during their chat.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Sophie defended the Archbishop, adding: “You know, if you’re not into chat shows, there’s no reason why you should know who she is.

“Certainly not in this country, anyway.”

During the same interview, Sophie discussed Harry’s return to the UK following the death of his grandfather Prince Philip, so he could attend the funeral.

But Sophie said it was “nice” to see the Duke of Sussex and the pair had a “lengthy chat” upon his return.

It appears that relations between the brothers are as frosty as ever – snubbing an opportunity to put on a united front.

The pair attended the Diana Legacy Award event to pay tribute to their late mother – but the Duke of Sussex joined remotely from Montecito in California while the Prince of Wales delivered a speech in person to mark the charity’s 25th anniversary.

Royal News : Meghan Markle in her message expressed disappointment and Pain , SADLY she and Prince Harry are going their separate ways over this

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are seemingly set to carry out big plans but they will be doing so separately given their opposite aspirations.

 

The Duke of Sussex, who has reportedly been looking at properties in the UK has seemingly made up his mind over his UK plans whether his wife Meghan Markle accompanies him or not, suggested royal commentator Kinsey Schofield.

“I hear that Harry is both content with his new lifestyle and homesick,” she told Fox News Digital. “It just depends on the day. I’m sure Harry could get homesick, and we know that he is prone to wearing his heart on his sleeve.”

On the other hand, Meghan is focussed on her lifestyle brand, American Riveria Orchard

Schofield added that the Duchess of Sussex has “likely permitted him to try to establish an additional residence in the UK if that will make him happy, but I doubt she has any desire to participate in the process or visit.”

While Harry is ready to make a move to the UK, Schofield explained that the royal

“won’t make any drastic or financial moves until he settles his security issues.”

Prince Harry is currently pursuing a legal battle to get back the level of security he previously had before he stepped down as a senior working royal in 2020.

King Charles’ former butler, Grant Harrold, had previously told the New York Post that Harry had been looking at UK properties.

Although, Schofield believes that if Harry were to move to the UK temporarily, Meghan would not accompany him for a big reason.

“She feels rejected by the UK and that does not sit well with her,” Schofield claimed. “I don’t even think she has any desire to win them over again. Meghan is totally focused on winning over the elite in Hollywood. With jam. And dog treats.”

Love Island’s Harriet Blackmore and Ronnie Vint expose ITV2 show’s huge ‘scouting’ secret

Love Island’s Harriet Blackmore and Ronnie Vint have revealed they were both scouted for the ITV2 dating show – and fans have had a lot to say about it

Love Island’s Harriet and Ronnie reveal ITV bosses have been trying to get them on the show for years

Love Island stars Harriet Blackmore and Ronnie Vint have let slip a couple of secrets about the ITV2 show’s recruitment process.

The two axed Islanders both appeared on this year’s summer series of the long-running dating show, but were booted out of the Spanish villa ahead of the big final later this month.

Free to work the media circuit now back home in Blighty, Harriett and Ronnie have been spilling the beans about all things Love Island and how they ended up grafting in the villa.

“I was scouted. Yeah, I didn’t apply,” Harriet reveals in a new interview. “I was scouted on Instagram.” Sitting next to his former co-star, Ronnie then admits it was a similar case for him.

The reality TV star says: “Yeah same with me. I was scouted through Instagram too.” Harriet then elaborated on the process, recalling: “I’ve been scouted quite a few times actually. A couple of years ago I was really close to doing it but I never did. And obviously this year I decided to.

“Yeah, same with me. Obviously my connections with Olivia [Attwood – former Love Island star] are strong,” Ronnie added. “I’ve had like a message probably every year to do it and I felt this time was the right time in my life to go and find someone and yeah, that’s why I did it.” In the TikTok interview by Closer, Harriet then revealed she has been scouted for other shows, particularly “a lot of MTV series”.

The clip sparked a lot of comment from Love Island fans, with one quipping: “I love Harriet but can they just stop scouting people and let normal people who apply get on.” Another added: “Love Island producers are messy!!!!!!!” A third cheekily quipped: “Scouted Ronnie? Yikes, heard it all now.”

Ronnie had some big Love Island connections before even entering the villa
Ronnie dished on his close bond with former Love Island sensation Olivia Attwood ahead of his debut on the ITV2 show. The-27-year old defender, who’s tight with Olivia’s Sunderland footballer husband Bradley Dack, 30, hinted at past flings with some of Olivia’s celeb pals.

Ronnie, who was the best man at Bradley and Olivia’s wedding last June, considers the couple part of his family and Olivia passed on a few tips before he headed off to the Love Island villa. The Lewes F. C. centre-back shared insights into his relationship with Brad and Olivia, saying: “My relationship with Brad is that he’s my best pal and like a brother really, and Olivia is like my big little sister and we’ve always been there for each other.”

He added: “Our friendship from the start has been unbelievable and I cherish it quite a lot and she has been so supportive through the whole thing and so has Brad, he’s a bit more unbothered about the whole thing and says to go and enjoy it, mate. [Olivia] has said go and enjoy it really and have the best time as it was one of the best experiences of her life.”

Brooklyn Beckham was teased by younger brother Cruz as he posted his latest cooking tutorial to Instagram on Thursday.

The amateur chef, 25, posed with beloved dog Lamb while stood at the stove and spoke to the camera to explain he was rustling up risotto.

Taking to the comments section Cruz, 19, joked: ‘For a minute I thought you were going to cook dog risotto xx looks brilliant’.

The eldest son of David and Victoria Beckham, went on to skilfully chop onions and garlic before frying  scallops to accompany the dish.

Cutting a casual figure with his baseball cap backwards he later down sat to enjoy the meal giving his thumbs up to the camera.

+10

Brooklyn Beckham, 25, was teased by younger brother Cruz, 19, as he posted his latest cooking tutorial to Instagram on Thursday

+10

Taking to the comments section Cruz  joked: ‘For a minute I thought you were going to cook dog risotto xx looks brilliant’

+10

Brooklyn (R) pictured with brothers Cruz (C) and Romeo, 21 (L)

Earlier this year Brooklyn impressed Michelin star chef Gordon Ramsay as he made a beef wellington with a fillet estimated to be around £120. 

He enlisted his Cruz as his sous chef and spared no expense when it came to ingredients for the Instagram tutorial.

After searing the expensive joint of beef fillet, Brooklyn turned to making the mushroom sauce where he generously poured in a glug of $44 Woodinville Bourbon whisky.

He slathered the beef with mustard and wrapped it up in a layer of mushroom pate and parma ham, before Cruz helped wrap it in pastry and add an egg-wash glaze.

A top London butcher told MailOnline: ‘Looking at the piece Brooklyn is cooking with here, I’d guess it’d be around 1.2 kilos of very good beef.

‘Beef fillet is about the most expensive ingredient on the butcher’s counter. This isn’t quite a whole fillet but for a good piece of grass-fed and probably organic beef of that size I’d guess he’d have spent around £120.’

Proud dad David wrote in the comments: ‘So so good boys love u both’ (sic), while Cruz was so pleased, he wrote: ‘Brooklyn and I are opening a beef wellington only shop’.

 And Brooklyn even received rare praise from Gordon, 57, who has eight Michelin stars, and is known for his blunt and critical remarks.

+10

The amateur chef posed with beloved dog Lamb while stood at the stove and spoke to the camera to explain he was rustling up risotto

+10

The eldest son of David and Victoria Beckham , skilfully chopped onions and garlic before frying up scallops to accompany the dish

+10

Cutting a casual figure with his baseball cap backwards he later down sat to enjoy the meal giving his thumbs up to the camera

Brooklyn Beckham and his brother Cruz work out in the gym

Gordon wrote in the comments: ‘That looks great @brooklynbeckham’.

It’s no surprise the TV chef approves of Brooklyn’s recipe as he taught the youngster how to cook a beef wellington.

He said in an interview back in 2015: ‘I actually really enjoy cooking. Gordon Ramsay taught me how to do a great beef wellington.’

Another said: ‘ok we’ve stepped up from the humble cold sandwich – not sure whether someone is helping outside the edit but it looks good we have to give him that’.

When Brooklyn made his TV cooking debut back in 2021, he was ridiculed for making a sandwich.

He baffled Today show viewers with his English breakfast sandwich, a dish that he ‘learned from his great-grandma’.

And while Gordon applauded Brooklyn on his efforts, others were unimpressed by him dipping his brush back into the mustard pot after putting it on the beef.

One critiqued: ‘Looks fab, but when you put the mustard please put some in a separate bowl so you don’t cross contaminate the whole mustard pot! Basic hygiene training!!!’.

Brooklyn’s cooking has come under fire in the past as many have slammed either his simple recipes, use of pricey ingredients or bandied around accusations of nepotism.

Brooklyn Beckham shows his cooking skills as he makes beef wellington

+10

Earlier this year Brooklyn (L)  impressed Michelin star chef Gordon Ramsay as he made a beef wellington with a fillet estimated to be around £120 – with the help of Cruz (R)

Gordon wrote in the comments: ‘That looks great @brooklynbeckham’. It’s no surprise the TV chef approves of Brooklyn’s recipe as he taught the youngster how to cook a beef wellington

In a recent interview with Insider, he insisted he is not fazed by the criticism as he knows himself he is ‘working his bum off’ and ‘cooking makes him happy’.

He said: ‘To be honest, I’m used to the hate. It doesn’t really bother me. Cooking makes me happy. I have more important things to worry about than people saying a little bit of rubbish about me… I’m doing my thing and working my bum off’.

Speaking to the publication, Brooklyn said: ‘To be honest, I’m used to the hate. It doesn’t really bother me. Cooking makes me happy. I have more important things to worry about than people saying a little bit of rubbish about me…

‘My message to them is to keep writing whatever they want to write. There are always going to be people out there who try and pull you down.

‘I’m doing my thing and working my bum off. So they can keep writing what they want, but it’s not going to bother me — I’m just going to keep doing my thing’.

+10

(L-R) Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham, Harper Beckham, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham and Brooklyn Beckham

ITV Emmerdale bosses tease new arrival in Ruby storyline as past finally exposed

It looks like we will learn more about Ruby Fox-Miligan’s past and how she ended up with Caleb as an Emmerdale producer teased a new character could be on their way

It looks like we will learn more about Ruby Fox-Miligan’s past and how she ended up with Caleb as an Emmerdale producer teased a new character could be on their way

Emmerdale fans will soon be learning more about Ruby Fox-Miligan’s sad past.

Sophie Roper, the newest producer for Emmerdale, has revealed to The Mirror and other press that viewers will delve deeper into Ruby and Caleb Miligan’s relationship, following the departure of their son Nicky last month.

She teased that there is “a lot of their history” to still uncover and hinted a new character might be on their way, revealing that a “blast from their past” arrives and tells us more about Ruby’s past and the couple’s complicated relationship.

Speaking about what’s to come on the ITV soap, producer Sophie revealed: “Elsewhere, we’ve got Caleb and Ruby, who have landed in the village and had a real impact. But we don’t know a huge amount about them and there’s lots in terms of their history, particularly Ruby’s, that is yet unknown. We’re going to see a bit of a blast from their past come back and really give us some more information about this complicated relationship between husband and wife, and also the complicated family dynamics.”

We will learn more about Ruby and Caleb’s past ( 
Image:
ITV)

Ruby is currently targeting Kim Tate, desperate to bring her down for the sake of her husband.

Discussing why she’s like that, Beth Cordingly – who plays Ruby – shared recently: “Ultimately, she’s doing it for Caleb. She wants to make him happy. She’s conceded that being with his family does that, even if she does whinge about living in the village, so her next step comes because of Caleb’s beef with Kim – she wants to punish her. Ruby also has her own thing with Kim, though.

“Remember when she and Kim were in cahoots and it ended badly, Ruby left saying, ‘You don’t want to cross me!’ and Kim laughed in her face. So, there’s a bit of pride in there for Ruby with this – she’s one of those people that’s not very good at letting things go.”

Asked who might come out top, she warned it would be a closer call than one might think. She said: “Ruby is passionate and impulsive, whereas Kim’s far cooler and doesn’t get her feathers ruffled. We get the impression that Ruby and Caleb have been tough for quite a long time with a lot of people. But is she up to Kim? Well, we’ll see…”

Prince Harry’s ex Cressida Bonas posts cryptic message after Meghan Markle engagement

PRINCE Harry’s ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas posted a mysterious message shortly after the news broke of his engagement to Meghan Markle.

Love blossoms: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle out together

The 28-year-old was in a relationship with the fifth-in-line to the throne for two years with many believing she would be the one to become Prince Harry’s bride.

The “It girl” was introduced to Prince Harry by Princess Eugenie in May 2012 and accompanied the royal on her first official engagement in March 2014, before splitting amicably a month later.

 

GETTY•PA

Cressida Bonas has posted an inspirational quote to Instagram after news of the engagement

No matter how educated, talented, rich or cool you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately tells it all

Cressida’s Instagram post

On Tuesday, after the engagement news, Cressida published a picture on her Instagram account of two people on swings reaching out their hands to each other with words saying: “No matter how educated, talented, rich or cool you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately tells it all.”

Prince Harry’s former flame then wrote underneath the picture “#quotestoliveby”.

 

Her followers applauded the quote with many saying “wise words” and others calling the picture “perfect”.

Cressida, an actress, dancer and model, could be expected to attend the wedding at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle in May 2018.

Many people speculated their split could have been because Cressida struggled to deal with the attention of being the girlfriend of the Prince.

 

GETTY

Cressida Bonas posted this picture and quote on her Instagram account

It appears that the pair have remained good friends as they have since been spotted together since they parted ways.

Some of Prince William’s former girlfriends, including his teenage love Jecca Craig, attended his wedding to the then-Kate Middleton in 2011.

 

GETTY

Cressida and Prince Harry dated for two years

Mr Mo Akhavani, consultant and cosmetic plastic surgeon, at The Plastic Surgery Group has dubbed Cressida Prince Harry’s most good looking ex.

Using a mathematical equation based on symmetry, he said: “Cressida is the most attractive of them all and fits the golden ratio most closely.

Prince Harry and Meghan to wed at Windsor Castle in May

“She has a good equal ratio of facial proportions, a square jaw line and the perfect distance between the eyes.”

It has been revealed that Meghan will become a British citizen ahead of the ceremony.

Kensington Palace said Harry and Meghan will carry out their first official engagement together in Nottingham on Friday.

It is now known if Meghan Markle has met any of Prince Harry’s former girlfriends.

England text leaked as Euros star claims he’s ‘unhappy’ with ‘splits all over the place’

All is not well in the England squad at Euro 2024, according to talkSPORT presenter Alan Brazil, who claims to have seen a text message from a disgruntled player

England celebrate their last-16 victory over Slovakia but all is not well within the camp, according to Alan Brazil (
Image: Getty)

A text message from a disgruntled England star complaining of “splits all over the place” has been leaked, it has been claimed.

Despite reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, all has not been well for the Three Lions on the pitch following four wretched performances. And it has been suggested there are ructions off the pitch too after talkSPORT presenter Alan Brazil claimed there are problems within Gareth Southgate’s squad.

The former Ipswich Town and Scotland striker says he has seen a message from a current England player expressing his dissatisfaction with life in the camp. If true, that represents a major concern ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland in Dusseldorf.

“I hate to say this – and I’m not going to grass them up – but I’ve seen a text from one of the players who is absolutely not enjoying it at all. There are splits all over the place,” said Breakfast Show presenter Brazil during a chat with Piers Morgan, who, in turn, told the players to stop complaining about the negative reaction to their performances.

“If they expended as much energy on the pitch as they do criticising people who criticise them, we would win this at a canter,’ said Morgan.

“Whatever line-up we have, start being accountable. Stop whining about the media, who have been very mild in their criticism, given how bad we’ve been playing. Start playing at the level you were playing at in the last few months of last season and stop moaning all the time about people saying you’ve been c*** when you’ve been c***!”

On Southgate, who could be overseeing his last tournament as manager, Morgan added: “The bottom line is, Gareth Southgate has a very good record as England manager but he’s also been in charge of a very talented group of players.

Relieved England players after Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp equaliser against Slovakia ( 
Image:
PA)
“If Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger – the first eight years [at Arsenal] Wenger – Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp were managing this team, how would they be playing? They would be playing at a much faster tempo. Watching them the other day, they were walking around like snails. Why? I just don’t get it.

“When you watch Spain or Switzerland, they are playing at twice the speed we are playing. There’s something inherently wrong with the way these players are playing.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Phil Foden admits England frustration and makes clear his best position for Three Lions

Phil Foden had the best view in Gelsenkirchen of Jude Bellingham’s magical rescue act against Slovakia, and the Manchester City star admits he was already thinking about duties back at home

Phil Foden admitted he feared the worst before Jude Bellingham saved England from a Euros disaster.

Manchester City star Foden has already been back home once in this tournament and did not want to fly back to England again. Foden had a grandstand view of Bellingham’s spectacular 95th minute equaliser against Slovakia as he had just been substituted and was walking round the edge of the pitch.

“I thought I’m 30 seconds away from doing baby feeds at home… so thanks to Jude for that, thanks for doing it, saved me there,” laughed Foden. “No, honestly, it’s unbelievable, what he did, yeah, just sums Jude up, he never gives up until the end.”

Foden, 24, went on a whistle-stop return home last week when his partner Rebecca Cooke gave birth to their third child but is not ready to give up on his Euros adventure just yet.

The England forward explained that the birth was pre-planned, in the diary and he was full of praise for Gareth Southgate accommodating his wish to be back for the birth of their son. They have a name but Foden did not want to reveal it publicly yet.

But Foden also has a sense of unfinished business at this Euros. There have been flashes of his brilliance but getting the best out of him, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham together as an attacking force has been a struggle.

Foden said: “I don’t know for the others you have mentioned but I have been a little frustrated. I am not going to lie. I want to try and score, do better things for England and like I said it has not worked out but it is about keeping a good mentality.

Phil Foden was subbed seconds before Jude Bellingham’s miraculous equaliser ( 
Image:
ITV Sport)
“I have not been the best player in the Premier League to come here and not show it. I feel like every game I am moving forward and hopefully I can put on some good performances and that has always been my aim for England.

“I think I have shown this season for City that I have moved more centrally and the goals have gone up and I have influenced more games so, I have always said I have been honest about my position and I have always seen myself as playing midfield.

“I feel like even though I have started on the left, I have drifted into those positions. It is more how we have been on the ball and not been able to find me because of the way the games have been.”

And the accusation that he and Bellingham cannot play together? “No I don’t agree with that, I feel like we do work well together. I keep saying it but it is true, just the way the games have gone sometimes and the way football works,” said Foden.

Foden insists he and Jude Bellingham can thrive in the same side
“In the last game we did build on it really well in terms of keeping the ball a lot more, we piled pressure on at the end and I feel like hopefully it can click together in the next game.”

Foden did stress that the manner of the win over Slovakia – snatching glory from the jaws of defeat – could have a galvanising effect. He also says the tournament is still wide open for a team like England to go and win.

He added: “Yeah, the way we won the Slovakia game, it’s helped us in a way, I feel like it’s given us so much more belief now, going into the next games, to win it in the way we did, a lot of emotions.

“We have to remain focused now, and go into the next game, and just try and build on it because we know we can do a lot better than we’ve done so it’s all about growing and being better.

“It’s just the quality of teams, I feel like every year, everyone gets stronger, I look around now at every team, they’ve got world-class players everywhere.

“So, I feel like it has been a tight tournament, there’s not been one that’s run away with it, so every game is difficult, I just saw the other night, the problems that Portugal had, so it just shows the level of teams.”

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Four more England stars at risk of Euro 2024 ban amid Jude Bellingham investigation

England face Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Saturday and Jude Bellingham remains the subject of a UEFA investigation over his lewd celebration against Slovakia

Jude Bellingham and four of his team-mates are at risk of missing England’s potential semi-final at Euro 2024.

UEFA are currently investigating Bellingham’s lewd celebration after he scored a 95th-minute equaliser in the round-of-16 against Slovakia. Even if the England midfielder escapes without a ban, he’ll still need to careful when the Three Lions face Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

That’s because Bellingham, 21, received a yellow card in the Slovakia match and a second booking on Saturday would lead to a one-game suspension. The Real Madrid star isn’t alone in needing to tow the line either, as four more England players are also on one yellow card.

Right-back Kieran Trippier and forward Phil Foden were both booked against Slovenia while midfielder Conor Gallagher was cautioned in the 1-1 draw with Denmark. On Sunday, both Bellingham and midfield pal Kobbie Mainoo saw yellow in the first half.

Marc Guehi has already fallen foul of UEFA’s rules after being booked in the third minute of Sunday’s dramatic 2-1 victory, courtesy of Bellingham’s goal and Harry Kane’s extra-time header. Guehi had been shown a yellow card against Slovenia in England’s final group game, so he’ll need to be replaced at centre-back for the clash with Switzerland.

Should Bellingham and co come through unscathed, their previous yellow cards will be wiped. UEFA reset booking tallies after the quarter-final stage, meaning that the only way a player can miss the final is if they’re shown a red card in the semis.

Kobbie Mainoo, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden could all miss England’s semi-final ( 
Image:
Stefan Matzke – sampics/Getty Images)
Bellingham, meanwhile, has been asked to write to UEFA and explain his crude gesture against Slovakia, something which he claims was an inside joke with close friends who were in the stadium. After scoring a stunning overhead kick, the 21-year-old put his hand over his crotch while walking past the Slovakian dugout.

UEFA said: “[We] will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match. “Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”

Punishments for a breach of decent conduct include a warning, a reprimand, a fine of up to €100,000 (£84,000) and a suspension for a specified number of matches. Bellingham has started all four of England’s games so far and manager Gareth Southgate will be desperate for him to keep out of trouble.

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.”

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.