England manager Gareth Southgate is expected to switch to a back three for the first time in three years for today’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland. Kieran Trippier is set to start at right wing-back, while Bukayo Saka will likely take the left wing-back position.
In preparation for the match, Southgate has been developing a new game plan during training sessions at their Blankenhain base. He has experimented with various players in different roles but seems to have settled on Trippier and Saka to provide essential width. Southgate praised Trippier during his pre-match press conference, highlighting his excellent contributions to the team.
Trippier, who played as a right wing-back in the Euro 2020 final against Italy, has been filling in as a left-back in a flat-back four during this tournament. His experience and defensive skills appear to have given him an edge over Trent Alexander-Arnold.
On the left side, Southgate was keen to have a left-footed option but has opted for Saka instead of Luke Shaw, who has not played since mid-February but was declared fit to start. “Luke Shaw is available to start,” Southgate confirmed. “But Kieran has done a brilliant job for the team. His leadership and communication are phenomenal, which helps his teammates greatly.”
England faces Switzerland today in Dusseldorf. The Three Lions reached the quarter-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Slovakia, featuring a last-minute overhead kick by Jude Bellingham and an extra-time winner by Harry Kane. Despite topping Group C, England’s performances have been underwhelming, with Gary Neville stating, “If we don’t raise the performance levels, we’re going out on Saturday.”
If England triumphs over Switzerland, they will face either the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals in Dortmund on Wednesday. The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 14, in Berlin.
Credit: Sky Sports
