July 6th 2024.
Southgate, the coach of the England national football team, is facing several important decisions as his team prepares for their upcoming match against Switzerland in the quarter-finals of the Euro 2024 tournament. Despite their underwhelming performance in Germany this summer, the Three Lions managed to secure a spot in the last eight with the help of late goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane against Slovakia.
Throughout the tournament, Southgate has been hesitant to make any significant changes to his starting lineup, only making one substitution in the final group game against Slovenia and another in the last match against Gelsenkirchen. However, he will be forced to make at least one change for the upcoming game, as Marc Guehi will be suspended. This will result in a reshuffle, with Southgate opting to switch to a back three formation - a system that England has not used in a competitive game since their defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
As a result of Guehi's absence, Ezri Konsa is expected to join John Stones and Kyle Walker in the back three. Kieran Trippier, who previously played as a right wing-back in England's last three-at-the-back game against Italy in 2018, will now take up a similar role on the left side, with Bukayo Saka starting on the opposite wing. This means that Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be included in the starting lineup.
Despite concerns about his fitness, Luke Shaw has been declared fit to play by Southgate, but Saka is expected to get the nod ahead of him. Speaking at a press conference, Southgate praised Trippier's leadership and communication skills and stated that he will continue to rely on him in the upcoming match.
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo will likely retain his spot alongside Declan Rice, with Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham playing in the number 10 positions. Foden's performances have been under scrutiny, but Southgate has shown no signs of replacing him in the lineup. With the match fast approaching, all eyes will be on Southgate as he makes these crucial decisions for England's Euro 2024 quarter-final match against Switzerland.
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