England predicted lineup vs Switzerland - Euro 2024

  • England take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024
  • Three Lions relied on Jude Bellingham magic to avoid embarrassment against Slovakia
  • Phil Foden is one of several England stars who could lose their starting spot
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England will be desperate to show signs of improvement when they face Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Saturday afternoon.

To say the Three Lions have disappointed so far in Germany would be an understatement, with Gareth Southgate's men failing to convince in meetings with Serbia, Denmark, Slovenia and Slovakia. They will have to be far, far better in their upcoming clash with Switzerland in Dusseldorf, with Murat Yakin's side knocking reigning champions Italy out in the previous round.

Reports have hinted at a significant change in system for England in the quarter-final, with Southgate reverting to a back three. The Three Lions have used such a formation at major tournaments before and any change will be welcomed with open arms by supporters.

Here is how England could line up for their quarter-final clash at Euro 2024.


England predicted lineup vs Switzerland (3-4-2-1)

Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate could make big changes / Richard Pelham/GettyImages

GK: Jordan Pickford - One man who has deservedly avoided blame for England's subpar displays is Pickford, who has been reliable when called upon. Only five goalkeepers at this summer's tournament can boast a better save percentage than him (83.3%).

CB: Kyle Walker - After a shocking display against Slovakia in which he lost the ability to even make a five-yard pass, Walker will be lucky to keep his starting spot. However, moving him to to the right-hand side of a back three may save his bacon.

CB: John Stones - While he has been nowhere near his Manchester City levels, Stones hasn't been bad at Euro 2024. What has happened in front of him has been more alarming.

CB: Ezri Konsa - With Marc Guehi suspended, Aston Villa's Konsa could be prefered to Lewis Dunk and Joe Gomez as part of a back three. The defender made his first Euro 2024 appearance from the bench against Slovakia.

RM: Trent Alexander-Arnold - It boggles the mind that Alexander-Arnold wasn't used at all against Slovakia, but he may be restored to the starting lineup in a slightly different role. The midfield experiment hasn't worked, but he could function well as a wing-back-cum-winger.

CM: Kobbie Mainoo - There was no denying Mainoo was one of England's strongest performers against Slovakia after being handed his first start of the tournament. He has done enough to retain his spot, although he is a yellow card away from missing the semis.

CM: Declan Rice - An indispensable member of the England squad - one of fewer and fewer as the tournament progresses - Rice will be relieved if a back three is installed. He hasn't reached his Arsenal form at the tournament yet, though.

LM: Bukayo Saka - Having been used as an auxiliary left-back against Slovakia, Southgate could use the Arsenal star down the left flank once more. With Luke Shaw still a doubt, there are not many alternative options.

AM: Phil Foden - A switch in system could help Foden massively. Having struggled on the left wing, he could feature as one of two attacking midfielders, a position in which he has thrived previously. If Southgate refuses to bench him, he has to use him differently.

AM: Jude Bellingham - Despite being well below his best for 93 minutes against Slovakia, Bellingham still produced a moment of brilliance. His overhead kick proved just how important he will be for England moving into the latter stages.

ST: Harry Kane - Another hit-and-miss (mainly miss) display last time out, Kane did grab his second goal of the tournament with the header that sent England to the quarter-finals. But an impressive cameo from Ivan Toney means he may not last the full match if he fails to perform.


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