Euro 2024

ENGLAND’S reward for somehow stumbling to an unconvincing win over minnows Slovakia in the last-16 is a clash with the in-form Swiss.Switzerland looked very impressive in overcoming Italy to reach this stage and they are probably the toughest opponent that England will have faced so far at the Euros.Murat Yakin’s men one of the most compact and organised nations in Germany, especially when they breezed past holders Italy last time out.This will be England manager Gareth Southgate’s 100th game in charge, and the stakes could not be higher.Southgate is considering a switch to a back three for the quarter-final tie in Dusseldorf, and they have practiced it in training.Switzerland played with a back three and England also struggled against Serbia and Denmark who also played with the same set-up.read more on the eurosSouthgate could switch Kyle Walker to central defence with either Kieran Trippier or Trent Alexander-Arnold at right wing-back.Potentially, Bukayo Saka or Luke Shaw if fit could move to left wing-back.With Marc Guehi suspended Ezri Konsa is currently first in line to replace the defender.But it could be as part of a new-look back three with John Stones in the centre and Kyle Walker on the right.Most read in Euro 2024Moving to a back three could give Southgate the option to start with two strikers although he has preferred to play with two attacking players behind Kane.Whatever the formation, 3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1,  there are three key things that England must do if they are to beat the Swiss and keep their Euros dream alive.Why Xhaka is Football’s Greatest ComebackControl the midfieldThe midfield has been Southgate’s biggest headache throughout this tournament. The experiment of using the Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold as the deep midfielder partnering Declan Rice did not work out in the first two group stages. Gareth Southgate is considering switching to a back three against SwitzerlandCredit: GettyHow England could line up with a back threeSouthgate could opt to put Saka at left wing backEngland could choose to pick Luke Shaw if he is fit enoughChelsea’s Gallagher was named in the role against Slovenia in the group stage.But was hauled off at half-time and replaced by Man Utd star Mainoo, who went on to start the next match against SlovakiaIt is likely that Mainoo will again be the player chosen to play alongside Rice as the young midfielder did not look out of place against the Slovakians. The key for England in this match, regardless of who plays in the midfield positions, is to find a way to progress the ball through the midfield areas and into the final third. That means having midfielders who are comfortable in possession.But it also means having players positioned ahead of the ball who are in position to receive the pass in pockets of space that they can exploit.Mainoo is on the ball v Slovakia but the four team-,mates ahead of him are too close to each other, making it easy for the opposition to defend the spaceMainoo saw plenty of possession against SlovakiaThis has been one of the Swiss team’s biggest strengths.Switzerland have been one of the best teams in the competition when it comes to controlling the midfield and progressing through the thirds in possession of the ball. Led by the former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka the Swiss have been aggressive in possession of the ball.They are adept at stretching the play to take advantage of the pace that they have in the attack.In order for England to control and dominate the midfield areas in this game they need to be aggressive in possession, and move the ball forward.They need to push the Swiss to defend back towards their own goal. If they are not aggressive in their passing in this match and if they are not possession dominant then they will give Switzerland an opportunity to impose their style of play on the game and England will automatically be on the back foot.Xhaka has the ball v Italy and teammates are layered across the pitch ahead of him on different lines. This makes things far more difficult for the opposition to defend in a strong blockBellingham needs to be on the ball more to influence the game against SwitzerlandThe issues around the midfield for England have been one of the biggest question marks in this tournament so far. With Mainoo and Rice in the middle, hopefully Southgate and his coaching staff will have figured this out as they enter the quarter final stage.The midfield needs to be brave and be more aggressive with the ball, to put the Swiss on the back foot and force them into making mistakes.Defend togetherNumerous times in this tournament England have effectively left their back four isolated as the opposition attack. While, to an extent, this has worked out for England with the pace that they have with the likes of Walker and Guehi in the defensive line it is not an effective strategy as they go deeper into the tournament. With Guehi suspended for this match due to an accumulation of cautions it is likely that Konsa of Aston Villa will take his place, possibly in a back three.Declan Rice is adept at shielding the back fourBut England will still have to be careful given the sheer pace that Switzerland have in their attack.England have been stretched numerous times in this tournament with the midfield pressing higher and leaving significant gaps and spaces between their line and the defensive line. If they continue to play in this manner in this quarter final match then prepare to see a few races between the English defence and the Swiss attack.The Slovakians have beaten the England press and attack the exposed back four aggressivelyWith the likes of Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye, Switzerland are one of the quickest attacking teams in the tournament. They will look for opportunities to attack in behind the English defensive line wherever possible and especially on the left-side of the English defence where Kieran Trippier is not the quickest of fullbacks. Indeed, this is the side where we will see Switzerland use Ndoye as they look to stretch the pitch and attack space behind the defensive line.Ndoye attacks the space behind the Italy defence and the way the Swiss attack is spread out makes it tricky for the opposition to defendIn this match it will be important for England to keep the spaces between their midfield and defence tight in order to deny the Swiss the space to attack.Get runners around KaneThe performances of Harry Kane have attracted criticism throughout this tournament.But once again when England needed a goal in extra time against Slovakia it was the Bayern Munich man and England captain who provided it. Kane dropped deep against Slovakia too muchEngland’s attack was bunched together against SlovakiaIt is fair to say that Kane has not looked as mobile in this tournament as we have seen him previously.But he has still been effective in terms of receiving and holding the ball before linking the play.Yet at times he has looked isolated.It will be crucial for England to get players forward and around Kane in order to support the attack and make runs that will threaten to break through the defensive line for Switzerland.Kane drops deep and England have runners attacking the space behind him created by his movementThroughout this tournament Switzerland have looked solid and secure at the back.Led by the impressive Manuel Akanji from Man City, Switzerland consistently defend in a medium block that is compact with very little space between the lines that the opposition have been able to take advantage of. This is why the movement from England players to get beyond the ball when Kane drops in to receive the ball is so important. They have to find ways to stretch the game out and to give the Swiss defenders different problems to defend against. If the likes of Saka, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden can make these forward runs then England might cause Switzerland real problems.The Swiss drop back into an organised defensive unit which has proved very hard to break downIf England are going to come out of this game with a win then it will be important that they release runners aggressively to look to disrupt and break down the defensive organisation from the Swiss.READ MORE SUN STORIESConclusionEngland have not impressed so far in this tournament but they have still put themselves in a position where they are only two wins away from the final. England have the talent to overcome the Swiss in this game but they need to play as a more organised team. More

IT’S EURO 2024 quarter-final time – and ‘Robotinho’ has predicted which four nations will make the semis.That’s right, not Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, but a supercomputer from Australia.Harry Kane is hoping to fire England past Switzerland on SaturdayCredit: GettyJamal Musiala’s Germany get the quarters underway against Spain todayCredit: RexEuro 2024 hosts Germany take on Spain in a mouthwatering quarter-final this afternoon to get the action underway.That is followed tonight by another bumper showdown between Portugal and France as Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe go head-to-head.While most will be tuning in to those two today, all eyes in England will be on our own date with destiny tomorrow.The Three Lions face Switzerland in their last-eight encounter at 5pm.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd by the end of the day they will know exactly who stands between them and a second-straight Euro final.England will face the winners of Netherlands vs Turkey in the semi on Wednesday.While some have concerns over the form of Gareth Southgate’s side, confidence is still high that he can lead them to a third semi-final.But what does the supercomputer think?Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHere AI expert Robontinho has gone through and crunched all of the data.And it has produced its predictions for who will emerge victorious over the next two days:England’s WAGs: The Real Stars of Euro 2024 SPAIN VS GERMANYPrediction: 2-1It looks set to be heartbreak for the German hosts.The free-scoring Spanish have easily been the most-entertaining side to watch so far.And Robotinho expects them to be celebrating again with a fifth-straight win at the tournament.PORTUGAL VS FRANCEPrediction: 1-2It looks set to be more tears in store for Ronaldo when Portugal play later.Even though Mbappe has struggled with his broken nose, the stuttering French are tipped to march on with a narrow victory.England must go old-school to shock Switzerland… this formation would be perfect, says Jurgen KlinsmannIT might be time for England to try something different at these Euros, writes Jurgen Klinsmann.Maybe Gareth Southgate will want to start the quarter-final against Switzerland in a 4-4-2 formation, with Ivan Toney alongside Harry Kane up front.I think it might work, and if Gareth feels the same, he should do it.This is the time when, as a manager at a tournament, you have to trust your gut instinct and never hold back from unpopular decisions.The quarter-finals are make-or-break time. Win and you’re in the last four and everyone respects you.Lose and it’s not acceptable for big nations like England, Germany, France and Spain.England are facing the best Swiss team of all time on Saturday – and it is certain to be another rollercoaster.I understand there can be snobbery about playing a 4-4-2 but sometimes you have to do something different. It can still be a fantastic system — two hard-working frontmen like Kane and Toney can be a real threat to the opposition.I think England need to surprise the Swiss, to try something different.And that just might be a good old-fashioned 4-4-2.Read Jurgen Klinsmann’s column in full.Or check out all of Jurgen’s Euro 2024 opinions.ENGLAND VS SWITZERLANDPrediction: 1-0Despite their attacking powers failing to sparkle so far, defensively England have looked solid defensively.Also, they have shown an ability to grind out results, which they are predicted to do again tomorrow with a one-goal win.READ MORE SUN STORIESNETHERLANDS VS TURKEYPrediction: 2-1Turkey are missing two key men in Orkun Kokcu and Ismail Yuksek and that will scupper their plans to break down the Dutch’s organised play.And with Cody Gakpo top scorer in attack, it is the Netherlands that are tipped to go through. More

LIONEL MESSI’S difficult Copa America continued last night as he fluffed a Panenka penalty against Ecuador.Messi, 37, has been nursing a thigh complaint throughout the tournament which forced him to miss Argentina’s final group stage game against Peru.Lionel Messi’s panenka hit the barCredit: Premier SportsMessi was devastated after his missCredit: Premier SportsHe was consoled by the Ecuador keeperCredit: Premier SportsMessi has failed to score so far, with Inter’s Lautaro Martinez instead proving to Argentina’s main man with four goals in the group stage.And the Inter Miami star endured another tough game against Ecuador in the quarter-final.Argentina led for most of the game after another Martinez, Manchester United’s Lisandro, opened the scoring in the 35th minute.Former West Ham and Everton striker Enner Valencia hit the post with a penalty for Ecuador in the second half.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut Kevin Rodriguez finally found the net for the Ecuadorians in added time to send the game to a shootout.And up stepped Messi for the first kick looking to get Argentina off to a flying.However, the former Barcelona and PSG superstar was left with his head in his hands in disbelief after his attempted Panenka floated into the crossbar.Fortunately for Messi, he was saved my his team-mates.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMartinez showed again that he is one of the best in the world at stopping penaltiesCredit: GettyRonaldo broke down in tears after his penalty miss against SloveniaCredit: GettyIn particular Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez, who saved the following two Ecuador spot-kicks.He has a remarkable record of saving from the spot for Argentina, saving 12 of the 24 penalties he has faced for his country, including in the 2022 World Cup final against France.Why Cristiano Ronaldo cried at 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.”Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel and Nicolas Otamendi all netted for the reign world champions as they won 4-2 on penalties.They will face either Venezuela and Canada in the semis next week.Messi, like Cristiano Ronaldo, has managed one assist so far in their respective international tournaments.Both have looked their age to some extent with their team-mates stepping up to get them through their knockout fixtures.In response to Messi’s attempted Panenka, one fan on X wrote: “It’s simply not Lionel Messi’s tournament so far. He arrived with discomfort and he played this game again with discomfort.”He took Argentina by the hand in their last 2 tournaments and now his team takes him by the hand, that’s the beauty of this sport.”How Portugal have performed at the Euros with Cristiano RonaldoCRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.Euro 2004After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first Euros came in 2004.Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Greece – his first for Portugal.He scored his second in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but Portugal met Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in shock result.Euro 2008Ronaldo was Portugal captain four years later but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he’s had.There was still time for a standout performance, though, as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in a group-stage win over the Czech Republic.Euro 2012Playing at Real Madrid at the time, Ronaldo was the top goalscorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including a brace in the group stage against the Netherlands.Portugal’s quarter-final against Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes to go and they needed a special moment from him.His powerful header in the dying minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Spain.Euro 2016Ronaldo scored three goals in Euro 2016, with Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after defeating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.After suffering an injury inside the opening 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.Yet the Portugal captain became a cheerleader, and helped coach his team-mates to the historic victory.He matched Michel Platini’s record of nine goals by the end of Euro 2016.Euro 2020Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most of any player at a Euros.Yet it was arguably Portugal’s least exciting affair, as they exited in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer at the European Championship with 14 goals.Another wrote: “Previous Argentina squad would have failed him but this set is unique.”A third said: “Never seen these excuses for Ronaldo. But the greatest do it regardless of their circumstances 🤷‍♂️”Ronaldo memorably broke down in tears during Portugal’s last game against Slovenia.READ MORE SUN STORIESLike Argentina, the Portuguese needed penalties to advance past their opponents.Portugal take on France in the Euros quarter-finals at 8pm on Thursday. More

FOOTBALL pundits have made some big calls after predicting England’s starting XI to face Switzerland on Saturday.Gary Neville, Harry Redknapp, Jurgen Klinsmann and Alan Shearer are among eight experts to have selected some bold line-ups as the Three Lions prepare for tomorrow’s Euros quarter-final.Pundits have urged Gareth Southgate to make big changes for England’s game with SwitzerlandCredit: ReutersSome big calls have been made as the pundits selected their starting XIsCredit: GettyGareth Southgate’s men have been off the pace so far this summer, scraping past Slovakia in the last-16 thanks to Jude Bellingham’s late equaliser and Harry Kane’s extra-time winner.And reports claim the England boss will switch to a five-man defence to match Switzerland.It could see the likes of Ezri Konsa get a first start following Marc Guehi’s suspension.While Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ivan Toney will be hoping to feature again.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the above quartet of pundits have all opted to stick with a four-man defence.And there are some bold selection choices, with Neville arguably boasting the most radical of all.He has urged Southgate to keep faith with the current 4-2-3-1 system, with Konsa replacing Guehi alongside John Stones.However, Neville wants a major change at full-back, suggesting Kyle Walker is moved to the left with Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHe also feels Kobbie Mainoo should retain his place in midfield alongside Declan Rice, with Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford also automatic choices.But Neville believes Southgate must DROP Phil Foden from the side.Luke Littler tells Gareth Southgate to ‘pick what the fans want’ as darts star explains how England can beat Switzerland He doesn’t seem room for the Man City star with Jude Bellingham filling the No10 slot.And Neville feels England are best served by deploying Anthony Gordon on the left wing.Yet he also wants Cole Palmer in as well, insisting the Chelsea man should replace Bukayo Saka on the right.Meanwhile, SunSport Euros columnist Redknapp also wants England to keep their 4-2-3-1 shape.And he reckons Luke Shaw must start at left-back despite only just recovering from injury.Redknapp also wants to see Bellingham deployed as a No8 alongside Rice, allowing Foden to come in as the No10.He is eager to see Palmer start too, and feels the Chelsea man deserves to get the nod on the left.That would allow him to drift inside with Shaw providing the width that has so far been missing from England’s left flank.Fellow SunSport columnist Klinsmann has gone for an even bolder look, advising Southgate to drop his possession tactics and summon the spirits of England teams past with a 4-4-2 system.The German legend is happy keeping Trippier at left-back, with Foden and Saka either side of Rice and Bellingham in midfield.But Klinsmann reckons Ivan Toney deserves a start following his brilliant impact against Slovakia.The Brentford star’s strength and aerial dominance changed the flow of the game while allowing Kane to stay further forward.And Klinsmann feels England are best served by having the target man in from the start.Elsewhere, Shearer would like to see a 4-3-3 system with Bellingham and Mainoo playing as No8s either side of Rice.Like Neville, he also wants to see Palmer and Gordon start, meaning there’s no room for Saka or Foden.Meanwhile, former England star Ashley Young also wants a 4-3-3 with Foden coming in as a No8 alongside Bellingham, with Gordon moving to the left wing.He also feels Mainoo deserves to start, which would see Arsenal star man Rice dropped from the side.Another ex-Three Lions star, Stuart Pearce, believes 5-2-3 is the way to go though.He wants Saka at right wing-back and Alexander-Arnold on the left, allowing Foden and Bellingham to play off Kane.Elsewhere, talkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy also wants the same shape and personnel but would prefer Saka and Alexander-Arnold on opposite flanks.READ MORE SUN STORIESFinally, former England star Chris Waddle has called for a radical back four featuring Walker at centre-back, Alexander-Arnold on the right and Saka on the left.That would see Palmer move into right wing, with the rest of the team staying the same.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.” More

PEOPLE are talking up Switzerland like we have a mountain to climb. Let’s get it right, it should be a molehill . . . they aren’t world-beaters.There isn’t a great team in these Euros. Not like a Spain from the days of Andres Iniesta and Xavi, or France with Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry.SunSport expert Euro 2024 pundit Harry RedknappCredit: Darren FletcherFair enough, the Swiss were good value in beating Italy — but that only proves my point about the so-called big teams not being great.No disrespect, but how many would get in the England side?Manuel Akanji would have a good shout and although some would push Granit Xhaka’s case, Akanji’s the only one for me.Look at the players Gareth Southgate’s got and we’re entitled to be turning them over . . . especially if we take them on, if we go out to attack.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLet’s make them worry about us, rather than playing it safe and steady.That’s hardly been a roaring success up to now, and we’re so lucky to have got away with it thus far in Germany.The nature of the manager’s job for Southgate is that one minute he’s heading to the Tower, the next he’s off to the Palace — fingers crossed there are no more changes of direction from here.Thirty seconds from going out against Slovakia, but now Gareth is preparing for a quarter-final against Switzerland. Maybe some things are just meant to be.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSometimes it goes that way in cup football because as badly as England have played at these Euros, I am beginning to think it’s fate they’ll go all the way.I know we’ve made heavy weather of it so far but the draw couldn’t have been kinder if Gareth had chosen it himself.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesWhen we were one down on Sunday with less than a minute to go, I’m looking at Southgate and wondering: “What must be going through his mind?”I’m not having it that he always felt England would turn it around, any more than his thoughts were still on how they could get back into it.At that stage you’re not thinking about tactics but “Oh, my God, the grief that’s coming my way after this!”If we’d lost, Gareth would have got absolutely slaughtered, and he knew it.The whole country was so bullish beforehand but we’d played badly and were going out. I’ve been in that position as a manager, when time’s virtually up, you are losing and know what’s coming next.And that’s at club level, not England, and not against Slovakia.Never mind what he’d done in the past, his reputation was heading out the window, his life would never be the same again . . . that must have crossed his mind.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.But then, out of nowhere, Jude Bellingham saves the day, a mis-hit shot is headed on for Harry Kane to score a goal Wimbledon would have been proud of and here we are.That’s what I mean by name on the trophy. I just hope we learn from it and Gareth makes a change or two for the quarters, although I’m not so sure he will.If Luke Shaw’s fit enough, surely Cole Palmer has GOT to come in on one wing, with Bukayo Saka on the other.That frees Phil Foden to play in the middle behind Kane, where you’ll get so much more from him, with Bellingham dropping in alongside Declan Rice.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.We’ve got so many options like Cole, too. Anthony Gordon and especially Eberechi Eze just drift past people — the pair of them are a defender’s nightmare.I’ve not even mentioned Ivan Toney, who was outstanding when he came on against Slovakia. He did his chances of a big move this summer no harm whatsoever.It just amazed me why Gareth only chucked him on with a minute to go. What’s he supposed to do in that time?I know we ended up winning, and Toney played a part in it, but that wasn’t down to any grand plan or tactics.No wonder he had an argument about coming on so late in the day.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.READ MORE SUN STORIESI only hope if it does come down to substitutions, Gareth makes the right ones at the right time, and doesn’t simply go like for like again.But the bottom line is England really should be too good for Switzerland . . . and once they get past them, we really CAN start to dream. Here’s hoping, anyway.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

JOHN STONES wants  beers flying for all the right reasons again — by bringing back the feel-good factor against Switzerland.The defender hopes a storming quarter-final win can get the pints flowing, just like when fans fell back in love with England in 2018.John Stones outlined his vision for getting supporters back onsideCredit: RexThree Lions fans would love to spray it again with quarter-final victoryCredit: EPAStones and Phil Foden hope England get to grips with SwitzerlandCredit: GettyHarry Kane and Co must reach a higher gear on SaturdayCredit: GettyBoss Gareth Southgate is keen for Jude Bellingham to produce magic for the whole game after his wonder-goal saved England against SlovakiaCredit: GettyAnd Stones feels boss Gareth Southgate is even more thirsty for success tomorrow, having  had plastic pint cups thrown at him by supporters after the goalless draw with Slovenia.The nation partied when Southgate surprisingly led us to the 2018 World Cup semis.  And Stones declared: “We’ve got to bring that back, which comes with winning, playing well and exciting the nation. We know they are behind us, that’s an incredible feeling in itself.“But to not be performing at our peak, or as good as we know that we can, is frustrating.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS“We just have to try to get ourselves back to where we were — with that fluid, exciting football and creating more chances.“Which is what we all want as  players and I’m sure everyone at home and in the stands does as well.“That’s a point that I’ve made and wanted to get across to everyone.“That we have got to do better to keep improving and progressing  in this tournament.Most read in Euro 2024Fans back home in England hope for beers of joy, not tears of despairCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY“This week’s been great and I’ve seen a shift already.“Sometimes in these games — in these tournaments — to win when it  is not pretty is a positive.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesSouthgate looks deep in thought as he watches Stones and his squad-matesCredit: Reuters“I know that everyone won’t see it this way.“But to get over the line in difficult moments, when not playing well,  only leads us to improve and keep striving to play better.”England scraped past Slovakia in the last 16 with a 2-1 win but it was in the final group game against Slovenia when some supporters turned on Southgate.Manchester City star Stones, 30, said: “I have only heard about the criticism he’s been receiving.“I saw some supporters after one game throwing bottles in his direction. I am sure that will have motivated  him that bit more.“Everyone has spent time with him and knows him as a person and  how hard he and his backroom staff work.“So we definitely want to win for them, ourselves and our families  — and everyone in the nation.”England were embarrassingly facing defeat by Slovakia before Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp overhead kick, with Harry Kane grabbing an extra-time winner.And Stones believes this lucky escape could mark a huge change in England’s fortunes in Germany.He added: “It is a turning point emotionally, to do it in such a  high-pressure moment.Ivan Toney would love the weight of responsibility on his shoulders with a starting role up front against SwitzerlandCredit: GettyStones admits England need to rediscover ‘fluid’ footballCredit: Getty“I believe it is going to change  a lot of things for the team.“There is a great picture of us  celebrating that goal and everyone on the bench were off their feet and staff were off their seats in the stands. It shows you that unity as a team.“When you have done these things, you believe even more that you can do better when it gets tough.”England could switch to a back-three against Switzerland — and Stones believes this would not be an issue.He said: “Opposition-wise, it causes them a problem. We’ve done it in  previous tournaments, though.“I remember playing Germany in the last Euros, previously to that in 2018.“It’s a great thing to have in the locker for us as a team.“If we need to go to that and play that system, it’s something that shouldn’t be underestimated that we can do it so easily and seamlessly, and kind of click together.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re really fluid in both systems and that comes down to us that  when we get out on the pitch, we put  it into practice.” More