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Topics: Gareth Southgate, England, Euro 2024, Luke Shaw
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Gareth Southgate, England, Euro 2024, Luke Shaw
Gareth Southgate is facing arguably his biggest England selection dilemma to date ahead of this weekend's quarter-final clash against Switzerland.
England will take on an in-form Swiss team in Dusseldorf on Saturday and it sounds like he is ready to 'radically change' his tactical plan for the match.
Southgate is reportedly considering switching to a back three to cope with the loss of Marc Guehi, who is suspended after picking up his second booking of the tournament against Slovakia.
John Stones, Ezri Konsa and Kyle Walker look set to take up those positions, according to Sky Sports News.
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It is an unfamiliar formation for the Three Lions. In fact, they haven't played three at the back since their Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy at Wembley.
But the squad has been testing it out again in training ahead of facing Switzerland, along with a number of other tactical alterations, including playing Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden as two No 10s.
Perhaps the biggest question mark remains over who will start in the two wing-back roles.
On the right, Trent Alexander-Arnold has flourished in that position for Liverpool in years gone by, while Bukayo Saka was switched to the left flank in their last-16 clash.
But it now looks like Luke Shaw will be fit to play a part on Saturday, according to The Telegraph, meaning Southgate must decide whether to stick or twist when it comes the Manchester United full-back, who hasn't played for 140 days.
It was always Southgate's plan to ease Shaw into the tournament by bringing him off the bench, so it will be interesting to see if the England boss gambles against the Swiss.
The 28-year-old, who has not played a competitive game since February 18 when he started for United in their 2-1 victory against Luton Town, made just 15 appearances for United last season.
Shaw has since opened up on the decision to start that Premier League clash against Luton, and conceded both he and United's medical staff made a mistake.
"I felt something against Aston Villa and came off at half-time," he said. "It’s kind of everyone’s fault. Partly my fault, partly medical staff, I think everyone would admit that.
"I didn’t train the whole week. The scan came back and there wasn’t too much there. But I didn’t train all week, then trained the day before the game. If the manager asks me to play, I’m never going to say no. I shouldn’t have played (at Luton)."
Shaw continued: "The circumstances were that I did push to do everything I can to be fit for United, and that's been my whole season, really. In my opinion, I was pushing to try and get back for the games and the final, and I think I pushed too hard.
"I would love to make the first game, but I don't want to rush too quickly because realistically I've only got one chance. If I feel something, then that's it. I don't want that to happen."
It is still unclear if Jude Bellingham will be available for the game against Switzerland, with the midfielder under investigation by UEFA for the gesture he made in England's 2-1 win over Slovakia in the previous round.
Thoughts on the potential formation change? Let us know.