Three ways England could line up against Switzerland as key man suspended and Southgate forced into tactical adjustments

GARETH SOUTHGATE will be forced into at least one change in England’s Euro 2024 quarter-finals.

Although the reserves’ impressive performances against Slovakia last night may make him rethink how he wants to prepare against Switzerland.

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England progressed to the next round in dramatic fashion last night after Jude Bellingham’s acrobatic finish leveled the score in the dying hours of added time.

Southgate tinkered with his system in extra time to force the winning goal, playing two up front with Ivan Toney and Harry Kane.

And his gamble paid off when Kane scored the crucial goal to make it 2-1 after an assist from Toney.

There were also positive appearances from Ezri Konsa, Eberechei Eze and Cole Palmer.

However, there have also been some blows to Southgate’s plans as suspensions, and potentially injuries, could hurt England’s chances against the Swiss.

Marc Guehi, arguably England’s best player in the tournament so far, picked up his second yellow card in Germany and will subsequently miss the clash with Switzerland through suspension.

While Kieran Tripper limped off the Gelsenkirchen pitch in the 66th minute, raising concerns over an injury.

Here are three ways Southgate could change his team in Saturday’s quarter-final in order to adapt to the fallout from the win over Slokavia…

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IF IT’S NOT BROKEN

Most English fans would suggest that the way the Three Lions have been playing is not good enough.

But whatever the style, England did their job and advanced to the quarter-finals.

Southgate has been stubborn with his line-ups before and if Kieran Tripper is fit to play then it is likely he will make just one change to his starting line-up against Switzerland.

Guehi has to leave the team and the most natural replacement for him in central defense is Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa.

Konsa looked assured when facing Slovakia and was able to occupy the left central position with ease, having played there under Unai Emery last season.

Of course, Southgate would have to wait for Trippier to pass a fitness test for this lineup to be available to him.

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SET THE TONE

Ivan Toney was arguably one of England’s best players last night despite playing just over 30 minutes of football.

The Brentford sacker won three free kicks and scored a goal in his short appearance.

While on the pitch, he shared the spotlight with captain Kane, and Southgate may look for a way to get both stars on the pitch at the same time for the full 90 minutes.

A back five could facilitate this as an option, with England using full-backs to provide width rather than full wingers.

The best of England vs Slovakia

Check out all the best action from England’s Euro 2024 round of 16 victory over Slovakia.

Obviously, this would mean England would miss the opportunity to have Foden and Saka on the pitch, but it would allow for a more direct goal threat with two strikers leading the way.

Although playing with a five would also allow the Three Lions to reintroduce Trent Alexander-Arnold into the fold – utilizing 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, Tripper could fill that role as well.

If Tripper is also injured, England could opt to play Saka at left-back to add even more threat to the attack.

It’s worth noting that Switzerland themselves play with a back five and matching them man for man might not be the worst idea.

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KEEP PALM AND CONTINUE

A last option for England would be to change the full-backs, but keep the four defenders.

Fans have been clamoring for Cole Palmer to start this tournament and the Chelsea wonderkid could replace Saka on the right.

While another quiet night for Foden could see Southgate give Anthony Gordon a chance on the left wing after his promising, albeit short, cameo against Slovenia.

Kobbie Mainoo looks certain to keep his place alongside Declan Rice after impressing from the start last night.

Southgate may have to think about who he plays at left-back in this lineup if Tripper and Shaw are absent.

In a back four, this would likely mean Konsa would replace Guehi at left-back and Joe Gomez would play as a more defensive left-back.

Gomez’s defensive tendencies would give even more reason to place a more direct winger in front of him in Gordon.

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