Just like the political landscape of the country, this weekend could see a very different England. After a very poor start to Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate has conceded that things need to change, and so he could revert to a three at the back system, similar to what he implemented when he first came in.

The Three Lions face Switzerland in the Quarter-Finals of the Euros on Saturday in Dusseldorf in what promises to be a nail biting fixture for England fans.

Many thought that after a disappointing Group Stage, the prospect of knockout football would re-energise the England team and they would propel themselves into the latter stages by battering Slovakia. However, that could not be further from reality. Slovakia were just seconds away from producing one of the biggest shocks in Euros history but were denied a place in the Quarter-Finals by a 95th minute bicycle kick from Jude Bellingham. Harry Kane then netted the winner less than a minute into extra-time, but despite the win, it was far from a pretty performance by the Three Lions.

Simply epic.

WE ARE #EURO2024 QUARTER-FINALISTS! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/d8EA8wuxmO

— England (@England) June 30, 2024

Switzerland were more deserved winners in their Round of 16 tie against Italy. The reigning champions were incredibly poor, but that shouldn’t take away from how solid and professional the Swiss were. Ruben Vargas was the standout player for Switzerland that day, with an outstanding goal early in the second half that sealed their victory.

England vs Switzerland takes place on Saturday 6th July at 5pm. Coverage on the BBC starts at 4pm.

England vs Switzerland Team News

England Team News

The biggest team news from the England camp this week revolves around Marc Guehi’s suspension and who will replace him. The central defender was shown his second yellow card of the tournament early on in the game against Slovakia, meaning he misses the clash with Switzerland.

#AVFC's Ezri Konsa could make his first start for England at a major tournament this weekend.

"If the boss puts me on I will always be ready. I always dreamed of playing for England as a kid. Wherever Southgate puts me, I am ready" 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

— John Townley (@johntownley11) July 4, 2024

Southgate has a few options at his disposal, but it seems likely that he will go with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, as he has used him before, in the pre-tournament friendlies over the likes of Joe Gomez and Lewis Dunk.

There is every possibility that Southgate moves to a three at the back system with Bukayo Saka and Trent Alexander-Arnold acting as wing backs. This would allow Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham to both play in a number 10 role while still having two holding midfielders. This change might be too drastic for Southgate however, and so it is hard to call.

Switzerland Team News

There was a slight injury concern in the week for Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka, although it does look like he will be fit for the match. The former Arsenal man had a precautionary scan that revealed that there was nothing seriously wrong with him.

Silvan Widmer may return to the starting XI following his one game suspension that he served against Italy, but Dan Ndoye performed excellently in his place, so that change is not certain.

🇨🇭 Partytime ft. Granit #Xhaka & @nati_sfv_asf. 🙌🤩🎉#EURO2024 | #SUIITA | #SUI pic.twitter.com/ZZga1RqBZV

— UEFA EURO 2024 DE (@EURO2024DE) June 29, 2024

Breel Embolo, who has spent most of the season out injured, has returned to fitness during this tournament, and is set to start yet again.

England vs Switzerland: Predicted Lineups

England - J. Pickford, K. Walker, J. Stones, E. Konsa, T. Alexander-Arnold, K. Mainoo, D. Rice, B. Saka, P. Foden, J. Bellingham, H. Kane

Switzerland - Y. Sommer, F. Schar, M. Akanji, R. Rodriguez, S. Widmer, G. Xhaka, R. Freuler, M. Aebischer, D. Ndoye, R. Vargas, B. Embolo

England vs Switzerland: Score Prediction

England 1-2 Switzerland

I’ll be honest, I’m not feeling very confident about England’s chances. We are not sure whether or not Southgate will make a drastic tactical change for this game but I don’t think that matters. The Three Lions have not been good enough on an individual level for large parts of the tournament while Switzerland have been playing their best football in their history.

Switzerland won’t control the game, yet they’ll still come away with more goals, more clear chances, and ultimately, the happier fans.