Gareth Southgate is expected to field a new England formation against Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, talkSPORT understands.
The Three Lions boss has been under pressure from fans and pundits alike to change his starting line-up for the clash following his side’s lacklustre performances in the tournament so far.
Now, Southgate is set to make one change in personnel but a complete system rethink for the key clash at the Dussesldorf Arena in Germany on Saturday – which you can listen to live on talkSPORT.
talkSPORT understands Jordan Pickford will remain in goal for the Three Lions.
However, the similarities from the line-up in the 2-1 win over Slovakia last weekend end there.
Everton goalkeeper is expected to have an untested system for the back line in front of him, with Southgate straying from a back four.
Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi has started every game, but isn’t available for the clash due to receiving two yellow cards and therefore needing to serve a suspension.
Kyle Walker – who has started at right-back for the opening four games – John Stones and Ezri Konsa are expected to make up a back three.
That will be Konsa’s first start at a major tournament.
At left-wing back will be Bukayo Saka, who has played at Euro 2024 and the rest of his time with England as a winger. He did slot into this role following Trippier’s withdrawal against Slovakia.
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The Newcastle right-back is expected to start at right wing-back, meaning Southgate is still opting for the Magpies defender despite calls for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold to start there.
The Reds star has featured at Euro 2024, but was dropped after Southgate’s decision to put him in midfield didn’t stick.
In midfield, the England manager is understood to be ready to play two no.10s – Phil Foden, who had been on the left wing, and Jude Bellingham.
They will sit in front of Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo in a four-man midfield.
That leaves captain and striker Harry Kane to continue up top and lead the line for England.
When asked about reports of a formation change at his press conference on Friday, the Three Lions boss kept his cards close to his chest.
“We’re always considering the best way to approach a game,” he said.
“We are always trying to prepare to give our opponents the best possible game.”
Southgate did however confirm that Luke Shaw is available for the clash, and, just off this line-up, could make his first Euro 2024 appearance from the bench.
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