England train in new formation as Gareth Southgate considers big change for Switzerland clash at Euro 2024

GARETH SOUTHGATE is considering switching to a back three against Switzerland.

The team practiced a back three in training today as they prepare for Saturday’s quarter-finals.

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It was the first time that England practiced this formation in Germany.

Switzerland played with three defenses and England also struggled against Serbia and Denmark, who also played with the same configuration.

This could see Kyle Walker move to central defense with Kieran Trippier or Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.

Potentially, Bukayo Saka or Luke Shaw, if fit, could move to left-back.

With Marc Guehi suspended, Ezri Konsa is currently first in line to replace the defender.

But it could be as part of a new-look back three with John Stones in the center and Kyle Walker on the right.

Switching to a back three could give Southgate the option of starting with two strikers, although he preferred to play with two attacking players behind Kane.

And fans got to see Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden start as two number 10s behind Kane, with the depth coming from the English full-backs.

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Not to mention Jude Bellingham could be suspended following his banned celebration after the Slovakia game.

If the Real Madrid star was banned, Southgate could play in a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Toney and Kane up front and Foden as a number 10.

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England notably played with a back three at the 2018 World Cup and also during some Euro 2020 matches – including the final.

The Three Lions still have two more training sessions this week and could be left with a back four, but it is clear that a back three is being seriously considered.

Ivan Toney was played on the field alongside Kane in the Slovakia game but was snubbed in his response when asked whether Southgate had looked at two strikers in training this week.

The Brentford ace said: “You’ll have to ask the gaffer.

“We focus more on the opponents we face, so we do more movements and repetitions on them.

“I’m not the manager. Obviously, I would like to play as a double, but that is the coach’s and his choice.

“We have to respect that and move on. Everyone wants to play, whether it’s two or one, I’ll do my best for the team.”

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