England is poised to adopt a back three formation for the first time in three years when they take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. Kieran Trippier is set to feature as the right wing-back, with Bukayo Saka expected to assume duties on the left. The Three Lions will meet Switzerland at Dusseldorf this Saturday, with the match scheduled to kick off at 5pm. News updates from Bong da lu livescores.
Gareth Southgate, the England manager, is anticipated to shift to a back three for the first time in three years for Saturday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Switzerland. Kieran Trippier is poised to begin as the right wing-back, while Bukayo Saka is slated for the left wing-back role.
According to recent reports from Sky Sports News, Southgate has been focusing on a fresh game plan during training this week in an effort to rejuvenate England’s performance levels.
At their training base in Blankenhain, the England manager has experimented with various players in different positions over the past few days. However, it appears that he has now opted for Trippier and Saka to provide essential width to his team.
In his pre-match press conference, Southgate praised Trippier, commending him for his outstanding contributions to the team, stating, “He’s done a fantastic job for us.”
Trippier last operated as a right wing-back in a competitive match during the Euro 2020 final against Italy three years ago, under the same formation Southgate intends to deploy now. However, in this tournament, he has primarily filled the role of left-back in a flat-back four.
It appears that Southgate values the 33-year-old’s experience and additional defensive expertise, which has positioned him ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the manager’s considerations.
For the left wing-back position, Southgate seemed intent on fielding a left-footed player, ultimately leaning towards Saka over Luke Shaw. Shaw, who has been sidelined since mid-February, was deemed fit to start by Southgate on Friday.
“Luke Shaw is ready to go,” Southgate announced during his pre-game media briefing. “However, Kieran has been outstanding in his role for the team.”
“While he doesn’t provide the innate balance of a left-footed player, his leadership and vocal presence are exceptional, significantly enhancing his teammates’ gameplay,” said the coach. “It’s a skill that’s becoming increasingly rare – having strong communicators on the field is invaluable.”
“He has adapted exceptionally well and performed brilliantly for our team.”
England are set to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, scheduled to take place in Dusseldorf this Saturday. Gareth Southgate’s team advanced to the quarter-finals following a thrilling 2-1 victory against Slovakia. Jude Bellingham’s spectacular overhead kick leveled the score in the 94th minute, and Harry Kane sealed the win with a decisive goal in extra time.
England finished at the top of Group C following a victory against Serbia and draws against Denmark and Slovenia. Despite this, their overall display during the tournament has been disappointing, as noted by Gary Neville, who warned, “If we don’t elevate our performance, our journey could end on Saturday.”
Should England defeat Switzerland, their next challenge will be against either the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals, scheduled to take place in Dortmund on Wednesday at 8pm UK time.
The final is in Berlin on Sunday July 14; kick-off 8pm UK time.
Neville said: Southgate must take risks
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville speaking after the win over Slovakia:
“This England team has participated in this tournament four times with performances falling short. They will be looking at this as a turning point, hoping it sparks improved levels of performance and a shift in their overall direction.
“While winning is crucial in tournaments, performances are equally vital because being the lesser team can only take you so far. Persisting with subpar performances despite victories will eventually prove detrimental, and I believe England will face consequences if they continue to perform at their current level, especially come Saturday.
“Let’s be absolutely clear. Three weeks ago, if you had offered this England squad, Gareth Southgate, the players, and us as fans a quarter-final against Switzerland, we would have eagerly accepted without hesitation.
“However, Switzerland is in good form; they’re a solid team. They deserve our respect, and the players certainly won’t underestimate them. Still, if we don’t elevate our performance, we’ll be exiting the tournament on Saturday.
“We were lucky to advance past Slovakia and relied on fortune in our group stage. If Denmark had scored one more goal, we would have faced Germany instead.
“We’ve relied on luck twice already. It might seem fated that luck will carry us all the way to the final, but I’m cautious. My instinct tells me we’ll face significant challenges ahead unless we start taking risks to break free from this pattern.
“We resembled England teams from the past, appearing utterly frightened.”
