England are gearing up for their highly-anticipated Euro 2024 quarterfinal, with the Three Lions battling Switzerland for a spot in the semifinals. However, after having disappointed all tournament, Gareth Southgate appears set to make radical changes for this game.
First and foremost, the manager will hand Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa his first start in the competition. The Premier League ace featured in the dramatic 2-1 win over Slovenia in the round of 16, coming on as a substitute in extra time to see out the result.
However, with Marc Guehi suspended for this fixture, Southgate will turn to Konsa to replace the reliable Crystal Palace center-back. Guehi has been one of England's best performers in Germany, meaning Ezri has some huge shoes to fill.
And that's not all. Rumors of a return to a back three appear true, with Southgate set to start back three of Konsa alongside John Stones and Kyle Walker. This means the Three Lions will deploy two wingbacks, with Bukayo Saka being pulled from the front three into a left wingback role, as reported by Sky Sports.
The Emirates Stadium star played this position early in his Arsenal and England career but has not featured there for his club since May 2021 and for his country since September 2022. Even more surprisingly, Southgate will opt for Kieran Trippier at right wingback instead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Fans have been calling for the Liverpool sensation to start in defense to offer the Euro 2020 runners-up much-needed creativity. However, England have not fielded a back three since the last European Championship and Trippier is familiar with the right wingback role, having played that position in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.
Meanwhile, despite the nation's need for width and runs in behind, Gareth is set to name a front three of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden, with the latter two playing as dual no. 10s.
Bellingham and Kane scored in the comeback win over Slovakia but have struggled to perform alongside Foden, the 2023-24 Premier League Player of the Season. With all three operating in similar zones, fans have questioned whether this is the ideal front three to beat Switzerland.
This means Cole Palmer will start on the bench once more. Additionally, it remains unclear whether Kobbie Mainoo or Conor Gallagher will start in midfield alongside Declan Rice.