England supporters have a major theory about Gareth Southgate's substitutions after Jude Bellingham confusion in Switzerland game

England supporters have a theory behind manager Gareth Southgate's substitutions during their Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland.

The Three Lions boss waited until the 78th minute to make any changes on Saturday evening.

After Breel Embolo put Switzerland ahead, Southgate decided to make a triple change.

Kobbie Mainoo, Kieran Trippier and Ezri Konsa were all replaced by Eberechi Eze, Luke Shaw and Cole Palmer.

Initially, the fourth official held the substitution board up and showed the number 10, Bellingham's number.

The Real Madrid midfielder, always capable of being the match-winner, was confused by the decision. Seconds later, it was confirmed that Konsa was the man brought off rather than Bellingham.

Carl Anka of The Athletic suggested Bellingham's reluctance to leave the pitch is because of the way Southgate uses substitutions.

He speculated the 53-year-old pre-plans his changes before the game, rather than reacting to the live action.

The tweet reads: "Bellingham knowing that he wasn't getting subbed off - without looking at the board - reinforces the idea Southgate pre-plans his subs before a ball has been kicked, rather than working on game momentum."

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Minutes after Switzerland took the lead, Bukayo Saka bent home a lovely equaliser to take the game to extra-time.

All the pre-match build-up surrounded England's switch to a back three after underwhelming in Germany over the last month.

The formation served Southgate well at the 2018 World Cup, with England reaching the semi-finals in Russia.

When asked about the decision to bring Konsa in for the suspended Marc Guehi, Southgate replied: "We've tracked the players all season. He's performed consistently well.

"He did really well when he came into the team against Brazil and Belgium.

"He'a got pace and he's had a fantastic season with Aston Villa. It's a great opportunity for him."