Walker to CB? Saka to LWB?published at 18:29
Centre-back Marc Guehi (pictured), who had started every game to this point and impressed, is suspended having picked up two bookings.
The Crystal Palace player was rushed in as a defensive partner for John Stones after Harry Maguire was ruled out of the tournament by injury.
It is widely expected that Kyle Walker will slot in as a right-sided centre-back, a position he has regularly played for England when a back three has been used. Stones will take up the centre, while Southgate has three obvious options on the left side – Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa or Lewis Dunk.
Another personnel issue is the ongoing left-back question.
Luke Shaw, England’s only specialist in that position, is back in training after injury but has not yet played in Germany following Southgate’s big gamble on his fitness.
Kieran Trippier started at left-back in England’s opening four games but limped off in the second half against Slovakia.
Although he is expected to be available for the Switzerland game, Trippier is a natural right-footer and has delivered underwhelming performances at the Euros.
Southgate is looking to wing-back options, and among those is Bukayo Saka who stepped in as an emergency left-back against Slovakia due to Trippier’s injury.
Saka has not regularly featured in a defensive role for club or country in several seasons, but he can play there and it may be a case of needs must.