GARETH SOUTHGATE will be forced into at least one change for England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final – but could make a handful.
Impressive performances from the substitutes against Slovakia in Sunday evening’s thrilling comeback could make the boss rethink the way he wants to set up against Switzerland.
England advanced into the next round in dramatic fashion after Jude Bellingham‘s acrobatic finish levelled the scores in the dying embers of added time.
Southgate tinkered with his system in extra time to force a winning goal, playing two up top with Ivan Toney partnering Harry Kane.
And his gamble worked as Kane nodded home the crucial goal to make it 2-1 off the back of a Toney assist.
There were also positive substitute cameos from Ezri Konsa, Eberechi Eze and Cole Palmer.
However, there were some blows to Southgate’s plans too as suspensions, and potentially injuries, could hamper England’s chances against the Swiss.
Marc Guehi, arguably England’s best player at the tournament so far, picked up his second yellow card in Germany and will subsequently miss the Switzerland clash through suspension.
And Kieran Tripper limped off the Gelsenkirchen pitch in 66th minute, raising concerns over an injury.
Here’s three ways that Southgate could chop and change his side for Saturday’s quarter-final…
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IF IT AIN’T BROKE
Most England fans would suggest that the way the Three Lions have been playing isn’t good enough.
But regardless of the style, England have done their job and advanced to the quarter-finals.
Southgate has been stubborn with his lineups before and should Kieran Tripper be fit to play, then it’s likely that he will make just one change to his starting lineup against Switzerland.
Guehi has to come out of the squad and the most likely replacement for him in central defence is Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa after he picked up his first minutes of the tournament – something Joe Gomez and Lewis Dunk are yet to taste.
Konsa looked assured when he came on against Slovakia and could occupy the left central position with ease, having played there – as well as right-back, at times – under Unai Emery last season.
Of course, Southgate would have to hope that Trippier passes a fitness test for this lineup.
SET THE TONE
Toney was arguably one of England’s best performers last night, despite playing just over 30 minutes of football.
The Brentford bagsman won three free-kicks and set up a goal in his short cameo.
While he was on the pitch he shared the spotlight with captain Kane, and Southgate may look at a way of getting both stars on the field at the same time for the full 90.
A back five could facilitate that as an option with England using wing-backs to provide width instead of out-and-out wingers.
The best of England vs Slovakia
CHECK out all the best action from England’s rollercoaster Euro 2024 last-16 win over Slovakia.
Obviously this would mean England lose out on having Foden and Saka on the pitch, but it would allow for more direct goal-scoring threat with two strikers up top.
Playing with a five would also allow the Three Lions to re-introduce Trent Alexander-Arnold to the fold – utilising his long balls to find Toney and Kane in the box.
Luke Shaw would be the perfect fit on the left side, but if he isn’t fit enough to start then Tripper could also play that role.
Should Tripper also be injured, England can gamble on playing Saka at left wing-back to add even more attacking threat, as he did for a chunk of the win over Slovakia.
It’s worth noting that Switzerland play a back five themselves and matching them man-for-man might not be the worst idea.
KEEP PALM AND CARRY ON
One final option for England would be to swap out the wide men but keep the back four.
Fans have been clamouring for Cole Palmer to start at this tournament and the Chelsea wonderkid could replace Saka on the right hand side.
Another quiet night for Foden could see Southgate take a chance on Anthony Gordon on the left wing after his promising, albeit short, cameo against Slovenia.
Kobbie Mainoo seems guaranteed to keep his spot next to Declan Rice after he impressed from the off last night.
Southgate may have to think about who he plays at left-back for this lineup if both Tripper and Shaw are absent.
In a back four it would most likely mean Konsa comes in for Guehi at left centre-back and Gomez plays as a more defensive left-back.
Gomez’s defensive tendencies would give even more reason to play a more direct winger ahead of him in Gordon.