England manager Gareth Southgate may finally ditch his 4-3-3 formation for the Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland. The Three Lions have reportedly trained using a back three ahead of the crunch tie.
Southgate’s side are into the last eight of the tournament in spite of some hugely underwhelming performances. A 4-3-3, which was used throughout qualifying, has failed to click with some stars noticeably looking uncomfortable in unnatural positions.
The in-form Marc Guehi is also suspended for the Switzerland game after earning his second yellow card of the tournament. According to the Independent, Ezri Konsa will replace the Crystal Palace defender in the starting 11.
It is claimed that move could see a tweak to the formation. Kyle Walker has reportedly been used as a right-sided centre-back in a back three during training today (Wednesday), with Konsa on the left and John Stones in the centre.
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It would be a similar system used by England at the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020. The change could also help to match up against Switzerland, who tend to line up in a 3-4-2-1 shape.
A change to a back three could potentially see Bukayo Saka move to left-wing-back. The Arsenal star has started all four matches so far on the right wing, but impressed when moved to left-back late in the last-16 victory over Slovakia.
Playing at left-wing-back would be a similar role but would afford the 22-year-old freedom to move forwards in possession.
Earlier in the tournament, Saka suggested that moving to left-back was not the answer to England’s problems.
“I don’t think putting me out of position is the solution,” Saka said after England topped Group C despite Southgate’s system seeming disjointed.
The unfit Luke Shaw was the only natural left-back called up to the 26-man squad for the competition. Kieran Trippier has played in the role in all four matches but is right-footed.
Southgate hinted that using Saka on the left would be considered as an option for the remainder of the tournament.
"We felt that Bukayo at left-back gave us an extra attacking outlet," the 53-year-old told the BBC after Saka played on the left against Slovakia. "It is a good option to have. I have to say the courage shown by the players was fantastic tonight."
Manchester United defender Shaw would be the preferred option on the left, either as a left-back or left-wing-back, but is yet to recover from the hamstring injury that has kept him out since February. All 26 England players trained today.
