England boss Gareth Southgate is expected to make a huge change against Switzerland (Image: Getty)
Gareth Southgate is reportedly set to name Bukayo Saka as a wing-back in a radical formation change at Euro 2024 this evening. England are widely expected to switch to a 3-4-2-1 system for their crunch quarter-final tie with Switzerland.
Southgate's team have struggled to click in their 4-3-3 system at the tournament this summer. There is hope that the new change will get the best out of Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham as joint-No 10s behind striker Harry Kane.
England switched to a back three for extra-time of the 2-1 win over Slovakia in the last-16. Saka and Eberechi Eze were used as wing-backs and the extra centre-back provided the Three Lions a more solid base than their previous formation.
According to Sky Sports News, Saka is expected to start the quarter-final as a left-wing-back. The Arsenal star has played the majority of the tournament on the right wing, cutting inside onto his stronger left foot.
Moving the 22-year-old to the other side will provide England the width they have missed in Germany. Luke Shaw's continued fitness issues have meant Southgate has started the right-footed Kieran Trippier at left-back.
It is reported that Kyle Walker will move inside from right-back to a right-sided centre-back position. Ezri Kona is expected to come into the team as the third centre-back in the absence of the suspended Marc Guehi, whose booking against Slovakia was his second of the tournament.
John Stones will start in the centre of the back three, with Trippier moving to a more natural right-wing-back role.
In midfield, it is claimed that Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo will retain his place alongside Declan Rice. There had been plenty of clamour for the 19-year-old earlier in the tournament when Southgate tried Trent Alexander-Arnold and then Conor Gallagher next to Rice.
England star Bukayo Saka is expected to start as a left-wing-back against Switzerland this evening (Image: Getty)
Mainoo was one of the star performers against Slovakia. His excellent technical ability, movement and precise passing helped England build play up the pitch.
How Mainoo will link up with Foden and Bellingham, who are due to start as an attacking midfield duo behind Kane, will be something to look out for. Foden's displays as a left-winger have come under scrutiny, with the Manchester City star expected to strike a more central figure closer to Bellingham and Kane against Switzerland.
The change in formation may also be a way of matching up to Switzerland, who adopt a very similar shape. England have struggled against back threes at the tournament so far.
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