Gareth Southgate is reportedly toying with the idea of making a shock tactical switch for England’s Euro 2024 quarter final with Switzerland.
The Three Lions take on the impressive Swiss side in Dusseldorf on Saturday, with a place in the semi finals up for grabs.
England have yet to convince in any of their performances in Germany and scraped past Slovakia with a late show.
They will be without centre-back Marc Guehi, arguably their best player in the four games, through suspension.
And it’s been reported by The Telegraph that Southgate is considering switching to a back three to cope with the absence of Guehi.
It’s claimed England have been trialling the system in training sessions before the upcoming clash.
If fit, John Stones would likely slot in at the heart of the backline, with Kyle Walker coming in as a right centre-back.
Ezri Konsa, Joe Gomez and Lewis Dunk are the options for the final centre-back berth.
Image: Getty
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier could both play as wing-backs on either side, while Bukayo Saka dropped back to the left back for a spell against Slovakia.
Luke Shaw is in full training but it remains to be seen if he is ready to start a game at the showpiece.
Southgate made the formation his go-to system at the 2018 World Cup, where England reached the semi finals.
He then used it on occasion at Euro 2020, notably against Germany and then Italy in the final.
Image: Getty
Southgate did also make the switch as they managed the game in extra time against Slovakia, with Eberechi Eze filling in at left wing-back at one point.
The tweak could mean Ivan Toney partners Harry Kane in attack after his strong cameo appearance on Sunday.
On his major tournament debut, the Brentford striker registered the assist for Kane’s winner and led the line well.
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Topics: England, Gareth Southgate, Euro 2024