ENGLAND PREDICTED XI VS SWITZERLAND: TWO KEY CHANGES MADE INCLUDING LIVERPOOL AND ASTON VILLA MEN

The latest England team news, injury update and predicted line-up, ahead of Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 quarter-final clash with Switzerland.

After a short break to regroup and prepare for the mounting pressure of Euro 2024, England are preparing to take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Gareth Southgate has been in the firing line recently after the Three Lions’ group stage performances left a lot to be desired.

With just two goals scored during the groups and ending with a 0-0 draw against Slovenia, it then took England 95 minutes to register a single shot on target in their round of 16 clash with Slovakia. A Jude Bellingham moment of magic restored hope as they were certainly headed home, before Harry Kane wrapped up the win in extra-time.

Southgate cannot afford another close-call performance — Switzerland will be entering the clash having beat Italy, and drawn against Germany, so the wind will be in their sails. Let’s take a look at how the Three Lions could line up for their quarter-final clash in Düsseldorf this weekend, with a switch in formation expected.

England injury news

Luke Shaw is yet to feature this tournament due to injury but he has returned to training. However, it is unlikely Southgate will risk bringing him in for this clash. Meanwhile, Marc Guéhi will be ruled out as he serves a one-match ban after his yellow card against Slovakia.

John Stones has trained without the heavy strapping previously seen on his knee in preparations earlier this week. Kieran Trippier has been nursing both calf and knee complaints throughout the tournament so far, but could be handed a much-needed rest should England indeed opt to play a back three against the Swiss.

GK: Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford remains undisputed as England’s number one between the sticks. While performances from the outfield players have often been a bit flat, Pickford can at least feel confident that he has only conceded two goals this tournament so far, only France and Spain have conceded less.

CB: Kyle Walker

Walker will feel confident knowing his place in the starting lineup is pretty much secured. He has been ever-present in the tournament so far and Southgate will almost have him down as one of the first names on the team-sheet.

CB: Ezri Konsa

With Guéhi serving a one-match ban, the Crystal Palace star will not be eligible for selection against Switzerland. England have some solid back-up options across the backline but it’s likely that Ezri Konsa will be given the job of starting against Switzerland, with Lewis Dunk and Joe Gomez yet to feature at all.

CB: John Stones

Like Walker, John Stones pretty much has his place in the starting lineup locked in.

RWB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Southgate has been pushing to see Alexander-Arnold succeed in midfield but he has since lost his spot but England do miss his creativity. Having the Liverpool star back in a more familiar role will help boost the chances going forward with his statement long balls.

CM: Declan Rice

While he hasn’t showcased his best form at Euro 2024, Declan Rice is still a strong asset for Southgate and there is little doubt that he will return to the starting lineup against the Swiss.

CM: Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo is impressing on both the domestic and international stages and he may well have solidified his place above the likes of Conor Gallagher and Alexander-Arnold in the engine room.

LWB: Bukayo Saka

Left-back has been the problem area for England as the only natural left-footed option in Luke Shaw remains a doubt. Bukayo Saka switched to left-back against Slovakia but having him a more advanced role will allow to overlap and still get forward.

AM: Jude Bellingham

Arguably England’s key player so far this tournament, Jude Bellingham keeps going from strength to strength. He will remain a key part of Southgate’s side.

AM: Phil Foden

England fans haven’t seen the full ability of Phil Foden so far this tournament and by playing on the wing, he has been out of his favoured role. Starting him as an attacking midfielder alongside Bellingham could unlock a real surge of creativity and threat in front of goal.

CF: Harry Kane

Despite the likes of Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Jarrod Bowen eager for more minutes, Southgate will not part from Harry Kane as his No.9. The Bayern Munich star hasn’t been at his usual standard but with a tweaked formation, fans will be eager to see Kane firing on all cylinders once again.

2024-07-05T10:57:24Z dg43tfdfdgfd