ENGLAND’S crunch Euro 2024 clash against Switzerland is now underway – and a spot in the semi-final is up for grabs!On the team news front, boss Gareth Southgate has been forced into a drastic change – with star defender Marc Guehi suspended.Southgate has tweaked his starting eleven to three at the back with Ezri Konsa starting as he aims for a spot in next week’s semi-final.Turkey or the Netherlands await for the winner in the final four on Wednesday night.TV channel: BBC OneFREE live stream: BBC iPlayerEngland team: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Konsa; Trippier, Mainoo, Rice, Saka; Bellingham, Foden; KaneSwitzerland team: Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Rieder, Freuler, Xhaka, Aebischer; Ndoye, Embolo, VargasEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow ALL of the latest updates from Dusseldorf below…England 0-0 Switzerland3. All quiet on the pitch so far as Bukayo Saka swings a cross over everybody.Not so quiet at Boxpark Wembley…England fans belt out Three Lions at Boxpark Wembley ahead of quarter final clash with SwitzerlandCopy linkCopiedEngland 0-0 Switzerland0. Gareth Southgate did spring a surprise after all.Bukayo Saka is at right wing-back with Kieran Trippier on the left.An odd decision as Trippier has not created much on that flank.Fully prepared to eat my words after he sets up the winner later.Copy linkCopiedTime for the anthemsSwitzerland up first and I can’t hear any boos.Always better with a bit of respect.A rousing rendition from England too with the future king in attendance.He met Portuguese royalty earlier.Credit: PACredit: APCopy linkCopiedDifferent folks, different strokesEngland fans have been belting out the old classics.England fans party in Dusseldorf and give their pre-match predictions ahead of clash with SwitzerlandAnd, like clockwork, the Swiss have replied.Switzerland fans chant England’s Going Home in huge pre-match march through streets of DusseldorfCopy linkCopiedSounds familiarThe way Johan Djourou speaks of Switzerland boss Murat Yakin reminds me of how Gareth Southgate was described back when he was a breath of fresh air.He told the BBC: “Everyone has been impressed with the way Switzerland are playing because not many people expected this. The qualification campaign was a little underwhelming it has been a bit of a shock.”The thing is, people have been surprised with the choices the manager has made. The young players have stepped up and then you have Granit Xhaka who speaks to the players on the pitch and tells them how to be professional and also how to win.”Copy linkCopiedKeep calm and Carra onJamie Carragher is not impressed with England’s XI.He told Sky Sports: Kieran Trippier has done a decent job at left back. “He’s picked him over Trent Alexander-Arnold, which I just cannot fathom at all. “I mean, that’s not the Liverpool fan in me. DUSSELDORF, GERMANY â JULY 06: Trent Alexander-Arnold of England looks on as he inspects the pitch prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between England and Switzerland at Düsseldorf Arena on July 06, 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Eddie Keogh â The FA/The FA via Getty Images)“For a long time, I’ve always felt it was right that Kyle Walker played right back for England.“The only reason would be that Kieran has played maybe a few more games, maybe he trusts him.“But when you say defensively, the whole point of playing three at the back is to release your wing backs.”And you’ve got Kyle Walker behind you, he’s the quickest player in the squad to mop up anything if you get caught out defensively.”So to not put Trent in that position, I cannot believe that one. I must be honest, I can’t.”Copy linkCopiedLonely at the topHarry Kane is not getting enough of the ball.England have had plenty of possession but finding men in advanced positions has been a struggle.Could the new formation allow the likes of Kobbie Mainoo to be more aggressive?Copy linkCopiedBringing the noiseBanging atmosphere here inside the Dusseldorf Arena.The stadium itself may resemble a breezeblock from its dull, grey exterior, but inside it is vibrant.The St George’s flags are out in force all over the England section, with names of clubs and areas from all over our green and pleasant land.While the wall of red from the Swiss army of fans is something to behold.Capacity crowd of 46,533 expected in here this evening – with England bringing far more than their official 7,000 allocation.It has been an overcast and intermittently drizzly day here in this city on the Rhine, but the sun is now peering through the clouds and it’s a pleasant temperature.England being put through their rondo paces, with Lewis Dunk and Ezri Konsa – making his first start at a major tournament – currently the men in the middle.Credit: ReutersCredit: GettyCredit: ReutersCredit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSchar’s last-gasp reprieveFabian Schar has been an ever-present during Switzerland’s impressive Euros campaign.But there was a strong chance the Newcastle star would not be with them at all in Germany had he not bucked up his ideas in March.Swiss boss Murat Yakin flew over to London back then with the intention of telling Schar he was going to be dropped for the March friendlies Denmark and Ireland.Yakin had not been impressed with the attitude of Schar, who was sulking about his role as a regular sub for his national side.But the 32-year-old put in a strong performance in the Magpies’ 3-2 defeat at Chelsea, which Yakin watched, and afterwards the pair talked.The upshot was Schar starting in the two exhibitions a fortnight later – helping earn clean sheets in both as he shone in a rejigged back-three system.Yakin stuck with that formation ever since – along with Toon star Schar who has become one of his main men.Copy linkCopiedPromising signs for EnglandTell you what, England’s finishing has looked on point in the warm-up.Mssrs Saka, Bellingham, Foden and Kane absolutely blasting them in – giving sub keeper Aaron Ramsdale absolutely no chance.No need to mention Declan Rice ballooning one over the bar…Copy linkCopiedCopy linkCopiedDavid James doesn’t believe in jinxesDavid James is on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.People who believe in any kind of superstition, or hate overconfidence, look away now.He said: “The issue with Switzerland is goalkeeper Yann Sommer has had nine draws in his last 13 internationals. He is an expert on drawing but I think England will go through. I’m very confident. “What happened at the end of England’s game with Slovakia – not just the goals but also the reaction of the supporters and the players – is going to be the key for England’s success.”Copy linkCopiedMore from England boss SouthgateGareth Southgate has been speaking to BBC One.On doing his homework: “Watching the games yesterday was a reminder that teams have a clear style like, Spain – they were drawn into going long as Germany pressed so well.”Winning tournaments is much more than the style of play and we have reiterated that point to the players. Whatever formation we play we want to get the pressure right on the opposition.”On Ezri Konsa: “We track the players all season he has performed consistently well. He’s got pace and he has had fantastic season for Aston Villa so today is a fantastic opportunity for him.”On Bukayo Saka: “He is a player that works diligently for the team and he is a huge threat in one-v-one situation – he proves so much and he is a goal threat.”Copy linkCopiedEngland curry favourThe Three Lions have come up for their warm up.They managed to time it just as Vindaloo came on over the speakers.That should get the fans going.Copy linkCopiedFoden wants to be centre of attentionEngland forward Phil Foden, speaking to BBC One: “We changed formation to match what they do and get pressure up the field and to try retain the ball – let’s see if it works, I am looking forward to it!”For me it will be I’ll be more centrally and staying inside. I think it will suit me a little bit better today.”If we get the formation right and press right it will give us a lot of confidence.”Extremely confident, we have worked hard and in training it has been working really well – hopefully we can get rewards from it.”I feel we want to win for him [Gareth Southgate] and for the big occasion that it is.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBlast from the pastTheo Walcott is in the stadium taking selfies with fans.England have lacked pace this tournament, could they have used the former Arsenal speedster.To be fair, he wouldn’t get in this side on paper.Matches are won on grass, of course.Credit: AlamyCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedSouthgate you teaseGareth Southgate is in a cheeky mood.Asked if the new formation would get the best out of his players, his response ramped up the mystery.He said: “Let’s see what the formation is first.”The plot thickens.For the record, I’m pretty convinced it’s a 3-4-3.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedShots firedSwitzerland fans have taken aim at England’s nickname – and Sherlock Holmes.The audacity!Time for England fans to smash up some clocks and melt Toblerones.Credit: RexCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEngland stars walk tightropeEngland have five players one yellow card away from missing the semi-final.Should they qualify, of course.They are Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Kieran Trippier, Kobbie Mainoo and Conor Gallagher.Gallagher is on the bench but the four others are all starting.Copy linkCopiedSwiss roll inThe Euros are always a festival of colour and the Swiss end will be a see of red today.Here’s a clip of their fans making a racket.Swiss fans arrive at Dusseldorf Arena ahead of Euro 2024 last 16 clash with EnglandCopy linkCopiedSwitzerland team newsThe Swiss will also be in a 3-4-3, which is their typical shape.Granit Xhaka is captain and an integral part of their midfield.Newcastle centre-back Fabian Schar is on the right of a talented back three.Copy linkCopiedEngland team newsAs expected, Gareth Southgate adopts a back three.It should suit Phil Foden in a more central role with Bukayo Saka shifting to left wing-back.Copy linkCopiedRinging endorsementSwitzerland fans are also getting into the spirit.Including one very confident man in an interesting outfit.That is a giant cowbell I believe.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedBetter safe than sorryStyle choice, or damning indictment of England’s shooting so far?Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPath to the finalOne of these teams will be two wins from glory after this afternoon’s games.The Netherlands and Switzerland play at 8pm tonight to complete the semi-final line-up.France and Spain are on the other side of the draw.Copy linkCopied More
