Gareth Southgate could make a major tactical change for England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final showdown against Switzerland as he considers switching to three at the back.
While the Three Lions have reached the final eight of the competition in Germany, the performances have continued to be thoroughly underwhelming.
Late magic from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane spared them an embarrassing last 16 exit against Slovakia on Sunday with the feeling among fans and pundits that something must change for Saturday’s game against the Swiss, who outclassed defending champions Italy in the previous round.
Multiple reports now suggest Southgate could switch to a system with three at the back, trialling that set-up in training this week.
England’s deep runs in major competitions in recent years have come while playing that system, operating with three at the back in the last Euros when they reached the final at Wembley. It was also in place in the 2018 World Cup where they suffered semi-final heartbreak against Croatia.
Southgate is now giving strong consideration to bringing that formation back this weekend.
The England boss will be forced into at least one change this week with Marc Guehi suspended for the Switzerland game.
The Crystal Palace star has formed an effective partnership with John Stones in a back four with Ezri Konsa thought to be in line to replace him.
Aston Villa star Konsa could come into a back three alongside Stones with Kyle Walker slotting in on the right of that trio, taking up the same position he took in those games against Italy and Croatia.
Predicted England XI vs Switzerland
Could Southgate switch to three at the back?
It would leave Southgate with a decision to make over who occupies the wing-back roles with Trent Alexander-Arnold hoping to reclaim his space in the side in a more familiar role on the right.
Bukayo Saka could be another option. Kieran Trippier has started left-back in each of England’s games so far with Luke Shaw still working his way back to full fitness having not played any football since February.
Southgate switched to a system with three at the back towards the end of the Slovakia game.
Switzerland also operate with a back three system with Manchester City Manuel Akanji and Newcastle’s Fabian Schar part of that backline.