Euro 2024

MICAH RICHARDS has told Gareth Southgate the THREE England stars that can “hurt” Switzerland and send them to the semi-finals.The Three Lions have failed to impress in their first four games at the Euro 2024 and were seconds from being booted out of the tournament in their last 16 clash against Slovakia before Jude Bellingham’s 95th-minute equaliser.Micah Richards has told Gareth Southgate THREE England stars that can ‘hurt’ SwitzerlandCredit: GettyHarry Kane sealed the comeback as England secured a 2-1 victory over Slovakia in extra-time.Richards believes England have players that can “hurt” the Swiss defence on Saturday.Switzerland swiftly beat Italy 2-0 in their last match and have been playing in a 3-4-2-1 formation so far in the competition.And Richards has named Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon as the three players who could make an impact during England’s quarter-final clash.READ MORE INEUROSSpeaking on Gary Lineker’s The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards said: “Tactically, I’m looking at this game.”I’ve been looking at the Switzerland games and there’s areas in that team in which you can hurt them.”If I’m looking at this England team now and you’ve got [Fabian] Schar – and Schar’s a very good player – but he does not want to be going into wide areas of the pitch.”The same for [Ricardo] Rodriguez on the other side as well. I think Southgate, if he’s looking at this, he has to play wingers.Most read in Euro 2024England’s five-point penalty shootout planEXPERT football psychologist Professor Geir Jordet has told Gareth Southgate and his players what they can do to give themselves the best chance of victory in any shootouts.And he has even thrown in a rogue, bold suggestion for the Three Lions manager…1. START PLANNING LAST YEAR “It’s about planning for the opposition’s penalty takers but also ‘how do we win the psychological game against each opponent?’2. SMART SOUTHGATE LEADERSHIP”Southgate will have two minutes to influence his players as effectively as possible, show he has a plan and get confidence across.”3. DICTATE AS A TEAM”A shootout is really a team performance. Have the goalkeeper walk with the penalty taker into the penalty area to basically create a two-versus-one against the other goalkeeper. Dominate the centre circle, support the players who missed.”4. ‘BULLETPROOF’ INDIVIDUAL ROUTINES “Have really good, individualised and rehearsed pre-shot routines that are bulletproof and polished so they’re more likely to be able to resist the stress and more likely to score.”5. SHOOT YOUR SHOT  “Practise the shot itself, trying to simulate penalty shootouts in training. Even recreating 20 per cent of a Euros final penalty shootout is going to have a benefit for your performance.”AND A JOR DROPPING IDEA…Jordan Pickford is the No1 but Dean Henderson actually has a far better penalty record – saving 8/22 (36 per cent) compared to Pickford’s 8/62 (13 per cent).Jordet said: “One could consider making a late substitution for a penalty shootout. I doubt that they dare to do it in case it fails and the pressure is even higher but it would be a very ballsy move.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He has to play [Bukayo] Saka or Cole Palmer on the right and he has to start with [Anthony] Gordon.”On transition, once you beat their press, you can hurt them. And I’ve seen videos of it.”Harry Kane reveals genius tactic England worked on before Slovakia that helped pull off epic Euro 2024 comebackWhen questioned by Lineker about whether Southgate would adopt his tactics the 13-cap England star instantly replied “No.”Richards continued: ” I don’t. I don’t think he will. I think we need to be careful of how we set up. Because their wingbacks are used to playing this formation.”So what you don’t want is to play 4-3-3 and for Saka and Foden, if they start, to come really deep because then they will box you in. Then you can’t get out and they will dominate the game.”Palmer and Gordon are yet to start in Germany only coming on as substitutes while Saka has starred in all four games.And SunSport understands they will remain on the bench for kick-off against Switzerland.But Southgate will change formation to a back three for the game on Saturday.Richards said Southgate should consider starting Cole Palmer against SwitzerlandCredit: GettyThe pundit also insisted Anthony Gordon needs to startCredit: AlamyRichards also mentioned Bukayo Saka as one of the three stars that can ‘hurt’ SwitzerlandCredit: AlamyEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

GARETH SOUTHGATE will switch to a back-three for England’s quarter-final showdown with Switzerland.With Marc Guehi suspended, Sun Sport understands the Three Lions boss is set to change formation for the first time at the Euros for the game in Dusseldorf.Gareth Southgate is expected to make a formation change to his England team to face SwitzerlandCredit: RexBukayo Saka will play the match at left wing-backCredit: RexWhile Kieran Trippier is trusted over Trent Alexander-Arnold on the other sideCredit: GettyEzri Konsa replaces Guehi and will make his full tournament debut alongside Manchester City pair John Stones and Kyle Walker, who is expected to start at right centre-back.While Kieran Trippier will keep his place despite recent injury concerns, but will move over to right wing-back, meaning Trent Alexander-Arnold once again misses out.Elsewhere, Bukayo Saka has been moved to left wing-back after ending the 2-1 victory over Slovakia.Southgate declared Manchester United defender Luke Shaw was “available to start” against the Swiss.READ MORE ON ENGLANDBut any involvement he has in the game will be from the bench.In midfield, Red Devils star Kobbie Mainoo will once again partner Declan Rice following his impressive showing in the last-16.Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham, whose stunning overhead kick forced extra-time last Sunday, will support Harry Kane in attack.The formation change was expected after the Three Lions trained in the shape earlier this week.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland used a back-three with great success at both the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020, making the semi-finals and final of those tournaments respectively.Many pundits did not expect Southgate to make the change.Why Xhaka is Football’s Greatest ComebackHowever, the new line-up is almost exactly what TalkSPORT’s Jason Cundy called for, with the exception of Trippier at right wing-back over Alexander-Arnold.On Trippier, Southgate said: “Kieran Trippier has also done a brilliant job for the team. “His leadership, his communication, his talking (to those on the left) is phenomenal.”Meanwhile, Saka’s position on the left side will echo his time there previously with Arsenal.When he first broke into the Gunners’ set-up he was used there by Unai Emery.However, he will not be a massive fan of Southgate’s decision.When Ian Wright mooted the idea earlier in the tournament, Saka said: “Obviously I love Ian Wright and he says so many great things about me but I don’t think putting me out of position is the solution. “But at the end of the day, I think we can we can talk about this but it’s in Gareth’s hands so we will just have to trust whoever Gareth selects on the day.”England’s five-point penalty shootout planEXPERT football psychologist Professor Geir Jordet has told Gareth Southgate and his players what they can do to give themselves the best chance of victory in any shootouts.And he has even thrown in a rogue, bold suggestion for the Three Lions manager…1. START PLANNING LAST YEAR “It’s about planning for the opposition’s penalty takers but also ‘how do we win the psychological game against each opponent?’2. SMART SOUTHGATE LEADERSHIP”Southgate will have two minutes to influence his players as effectively as possible, show he has a plan and get confidence across.”3. DICTATE AS A TEAM”A shootout is really a team performance. Have the goalkeeper walk with the penalty taker into the penalty area to basically create a two-versus-one against the other goalkeeper. Dominate the centre circle, support the players who missed.”4. ‘BULLETPROOF’ INDIVIDUAL ROUTINES “Have really good, individualised and rehearsed pre-shot routines that are bulletproof and polished so they’re more likely to be able to resist the stress and more likely to score.”5. SHOOT YOUR SHOT  “Practise the shot itself, trying to simulate penalty shootouts in training. Even recreating 20 per cent of a Euros final penalty shootout is going to have a benefit for your performance.”AND A JOR DROPPING IDEA…Jordan Pickford is the No1 but Dean Henderson actually has a far better penalty record – saving 8/22 (36 per cent) compared to Pickford’s 8/62 (13 per cent).Jordet said: “One could consider making a late substitution for a penalty shootout. I doubt that they dare to do it in case it fails and the pressure is even higher but it would be a very ballsy move.”Bellingham has been cleared to play after picking up a suspended one-match ban by Uefa for a crude gesture he made while celebrating his goal against Slovakia.He appeared to feign grabbing his crotch  in a move that signalled he has what it takes in a crisis.Match officials made no mention of the gesture in their match reports but Uefa still intervened.The 21-year-old was also hit with a £25,000 fine, while the ban is suspended for 12 months.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Real Madrid star defended his controversial gesture, stating it was aimed at close friends at the game and not towards the opposition.He added: “Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”Southgate needs Mainoo to help cure England’s fear, says Jack WilshereKOBBIE MAINOO has shown he is the player that England need to build their midfield ­— and their team — around, writes Jack Wilshere.That’s what I felt as it looked like we were slipping to defeat against Slovakia.I know he was not on the pitch when our goals went in.But until that unbelievable comeback, Mainoo was our best player.He has a fearlessness and an instinct to do the right things at the right times that seemed to be lacking for so much of the game.Mainoo alongside Declan Rice gives England better structure. In theory, at least, because for so long it didn’t look like that.You can have any structure you like but if a team, individually and collectively, lacks confidence, you cannot use that structure effectively.A fear can creep in. A fear of failing. A fear of losing the ball.It is partly because of his age that Mainoo does not have that, or appears not to have it.This was his first start in a major tournament. He does not know what it is like to have a bad one.If we want to win this tournament, starting with the quarter-final against Switzerland, we will need to control games better.Mainoo is the kind of midfielder England have been crying out for for a long time.He can be the glue that holds together this team for the rest of the tournament and well into the future.Read Jack Wilshere’s column in full.Or check out all of Jack’s Euro 2024 opinions.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

ROY KEANE has joked he will leave England and move to AUSTRALIA if Gareth Southgate’s side win the Euros.The Three Lions have made it through to the quarter-finals despite poor performances at the tournament so far.Roy Keane has claimed he will leave the country if England win the EurosCredit: ITVKeane hilariously did not celebrate Jude Bellingham’s equaliser against SlovakiaCredit: ITVThey take on Switzerland on Saturday night knowing a win will set up a semi-final against either the Netherlands or Turkey.And with England three matches away from a first major trophy in 58 years, Manchester United and Ireland icon Keane, 52, has made his drastic intentions clear should they win the championships.Speaking on “Stick to Football: The Overlap Special”, brought to you by Sky Bet, he said: “When we do the TV we have to praise Manchester City – if a team wins something you have to give them credit.”I’d be immigrating obviously if they win it – probably Melbourne, Sydney!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKeane, who brilliantly refused to celebrate England’s equaliser against Slovakia, also called on people to stop criticising England’s performances.Following an unconvincing 1-0 victory over Serbia, Southgate’s men drew with Denmark and Slovenia.They then trailed Slovakia until the 95th minute on Sunday, before Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick inspired a turnaround as Harry Kane bagged an extra-time winner.And Keane feels England fans need to concentrate on the most important thing which is that they are still in the tournament.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJude Bellingham and Harry Kane bailed England out against SlovakiaCredit: APHe added: “People should stop complaining about the performances from England because they are still in the tournament and that’s the most important thing.”Imagine if you were playing well and got knocked out the tournament, then the reaction would be worse. Gary Neville and Roy Keane reveal Sir Alex Ferguson’s ‘teacher’s pet’ who ‘got away with refusing to play’ for Man Utd”England have brilliant attacking players who have got the team out of jail and that’s what I thought would happen before the tournament.”It’s been a while since the last time you thought England were playing well on a consistent basis, but that struggle is fine when you’ve got match-winning players in your side.”If England get to the semi-final or final playing ugly, no one will complain about it.”England fans now know who will be lining up against the Swiss – and how – after the team was revealed. More

HARRY REDKNAPP has urged Gareth Southgate to go for a new look England against Switzerland on Saturday.The veteran manager revealed in his SunSport column that Southgate needs to be bold against the Swiss.Harry Redknapp has urged Gareth Southgate to adopt a new-look attack for the Euro 2024 quarter-finalsCredit: Darren FletcherEngland nearly crashed out of the tournament against SlovakiaCredit: GettyJude Bellingham’s late goal saved the Three Lions in their last-16 clashCredit: AlamyEngland saved their Euros with a late goal from Jude Bellingham and match-winning strike from Harry Kane in extra time against Slovakia in the last 16 clash on Sunday.And Redknapp has urged Southgate to make quarter-final opponents Switzerland “worried” about his side rather than play it “safe and steady” in Saturday’s game.To do that England need to overpower them and approach the match with an attacking mindset, he claimed.The former Spurs boss hinted at starting a new-look front six and emphasised that Switzerland should be seen as a “molehill rather than a mountain”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe first demanded that “Cole Palmer has GOT to come in on one wing, with Bukayo Saka on the other if Luke Shaw’s fit enough”.Redknapp wrote: “I love the way Palmer wants the ball and wants to take people on. “The Swiss full-backs like to get forward, so let’s make them worry about having someone running at them instead.”This would then allow Phil Foden to play behind Kane where he typically plays for Manchester CIty.Most read in Euro 2024And playing alongside the 24-year-old will be Bellingham and Declan Rice.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the veteran boss also called Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze a “defender’s nightmare”.And he said it would be unlikley but he would be “happy” to see Ivan Toney start. England fans say ‘get him back on the pitch’ as Jarrod Bowen puts on finishing masterclass in Euro 2024 trainingHe added: “To be honest, I’d be happy to see him in from the start and I’m sure Harry would love it — although there’s no way it will happen.”Southgate’s just too safe and steady for that.”Bellingham has been cleared to play against Switzerland by Uefa after his “crotch-grabbing” gesture during England’s win against Slovakia.The England star has instead been slapped with a £25,000 fine and a one-match BAN, suspended for 12 months.England ratings: Bellingham rescues woeful Three Lions as big names, and manager, have a shockerJUDE BELLINGHAM’S majestic overhead kick deep into stoppage time saved England from a humiliating Euros exit.Gareth Southgate’s side had been utterly woeful and looked to be heading home thanks to Ivan Schranz’s clever finish.But Bellingham came to the rescue in the 96th minute, brilliantly firing into the corner after Marc Guehi had flicked on Kyle Walker’s long throw.Remarkably, it was England’s first shot on target, summing how poor they had been.But another one came soon after, as 53 seconds into extra-time, Harry Kane headed home from close range to set up a quarter-final with Switzerland.It was as close a shave as it comes, and if they play like this against the Swiss, then they will be toast.Here’s how Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… and manager Southgate.Jordan Pickford: 5Appeared to hurt his left hand when taking a big whack in the warm-up, but still played. Fired a lot of long balls and was lucky not to be lobbed by David Strelec’s 45-yard strike.Kyle Walker: 4England’s second-most experienced player had a shocker. He looked uncharacteristically slow, his touch was heavy and his crossing was nowhere near good enough. But it was his long throw that led to Bellingham’s magic.John Stones: 4Said it was time for the senior pros to step up in the build-up to the game, but there was little sign of that until Bellingham did his thing, and he is only 21. Stones fired aimless long balls, gave it away and it was his mistake that almost led to Strelec’s trying his luck from range.Marc Guehi: 5Booked early after Kieran Trippier’s underhit pass meant he had to take out the excellent David Strelec, meaning he is out of the quarter-final. Ivan Schranz bamboozled him for Slovakia’s opener but his flick-on to Bellingham brought the leveller.Kieran Trippier: 4When Jude Bellingham’s good ball found Trippier on the edge of the box early doors, on his favoured right foot, you thought, ‘Here we go’. He smashed it into Row Z.Declan Rice: 5An old-school reducer on Juraj Kucka was a fair tackle, even if it left the 37-year-old hobbling. His curling effort with ten minutes to go cracked against the post.Kobbie Mainoo: 6FIRST start at a major tournament and our only decent performer in an horrendous first half from England. Blasted a volley over but was also booked for a late tackle.Bukayo Saka: 5We all know what a fantastic player Saka is for Arsenal, and for England in games gone by, but he rarely threatened here. Did go the distance though, and in a number of positions.Jude Bellingham: 7 and STAR MANCometh the hour, cometh the man. He had underwhelmed again until the 96th minute, but who cares when you step up like that.Phil Foden: 4Thought he had levelled early in the second half but his tap-in was ruled out by VAR after he was caught being, inexplicably, offside. Just off it all night, in danger of being dropped.Harry Kane: 6Still way off his best – he was nowhere to be seen in the first half and missed a free header after the break – but got it right when it counted in extra time.SUBSTITUTIONSCole Palmer (on for Kieran Trippier, 66): 7FANS were on their feet applauding when Southgate finally made a change and brought him on. So lively and with a lovely delivery, must be in with a chance of starting against the Swiss.Eberechi Eze (on for Kobbie Mainoo, 84): 6Did enough to put off Slovak full-back Peter Pekarik from turning home at close range in extra-time. Looked like he had been hit by a train when Denis Vavro walloped into him.Ivan Toney (on for Phil Foden, 90): 7GRABBED the assist for Kane’s winner by flicking on after a free-kick – which he had won with his strength – had been cleared.Conor Gallagher (on for Harry Kane, 105): 6Southgate rolled the dice in extra-time by trying to shut the game out, taking his captain off for the Chelsea midfielder.Ezri Konsa (on for Jude Bellingham, 105): 6Ditto to Gallagher as Konsa got his first minutes of the tournament in place of the hero Bellingham, which felt a risky strategy.MANAGERGareth Southgate: 3.A lucky, lucky man. Tactically, his team were all long ball, lacked any movement, and did not conjure up a shot on target until Bellingham’s wonder strike – and that came from Walker chucking it in the mixer. Subs took ages in the 90 and then felt risky as he sought to see the game out in extra-time. More

RIO FERDINAND has threatened to “walk home” from Euro 2024 if one specific player does not start for England against Switzerland.The Three Lions head to Dusseldorf for their quarter-final clash on Saturday evening.Rio Ferdinand has threatened to ‘walk home’ from Germany if Kobbie Mainoo doesn’t start against SwitzerlandCredit: GettyMainoo made his first start of Euro 2024 in England’s last 16 win over SlovakiaCredit: GettyGareth Southgate is set to make changes to his formation as he looks to reach the last four.However, Ferdinand is adamant Kobbie Mainoo should keep his place in the side.The 19-year-old midfielder made his first start of the tournament against Slovakia in the last 16.Taking to X, Ferdinand wrote: “If Kobbie ain’t starting, I’m walking back from Germany! (He) has to…”READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSThe former England defender is currently in Germany as part of the BBC’s punditry team.Meanwhile, Mainoo has made three appearances so far at Euro 2024.Following substitute appearances vs Serbia and Slovenia, he partnered Declan Rice in midfield from the start last time out.Roy Keane was impressed with the teenager during ITV’s coverage, explaining: “You see the stuff he is doing, I played in that position, but he’s doing stuff that probably took me 10 years to learn.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s obviously had a great foundation at Man United and he’s getting into good habits but we’ve seen in these big games – and when you’re playing for Man United, every game is a big game for Man United, so he’ll cope with all that.”Southgate’s overhaul of his side is expected to focus on a formation change, with a shift to a three-man defence.Watch Rio Ferdinand get on the beers with rowdy England fans as BBC Euros pundit cheers on Three Lions against SlovakiaSouthgate needs Mainoo to help cure England’s fear, says Jack WilshereKOBBIE MAINOO has shown he is the player that England need to build their midfield ­— and their team — around, writes Jack Wilshere.That’s what I felt as it looked like we were slipping to defeat against Slovakia.I know he was not on the pitch when our goals went in.But until that unbelievable comeback, Mainoo was our best player.He has a fearlessness and an instinct to do the right things at the right times that seemed to be lacking for so much of the game.Mainoo alongside Declan Rice gives England better structure. In theory, at least, because for so long it didn’t look like that.You can have any structure you like but if a team, individually and collectively, lacks confidence, you cannot use that structure effectively.A fear can creep in. A fear of failing. A fear of losing the ball.It is partly because of his age that Mainoo does not have that, or appears not to have it.This was his first start in a major tournament. He does not know what it is like to have a bad one.If we want to win this tournament, starting with the quarter-final against Switzerland, we will need to control games better.Mainoo is the kind of midfielder England have been crying out for for a long time.He can be the glue that holds together this team for the rest of the tournament and well into the future.Read Jack Wilshere’s column in full.Or check out all of Jack’s Euro 2024 opinions.Ezri Konsa is likely to come in for the suspended Marc Guehi alongside Kyle Walker and John Stones.Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bukayo Saka have been tipped to fill the wing-back berths.Saka’s inclusion out wide leaves the possibility of Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham both starting behind Harry Kane in attack.Mainoo could keep his place alongside Rice in midfield, but Conor Gallagher has also been trialled in the role by Southgate.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More