Stuttering England Reach Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals After Bellingham and Kane Heroics
England’s underwhelming Euro 2024 campaign managed to limp into the quarter-finals, thanks to late goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane that spared Gareth Southgate’s blushes in the round of 16 against Slovakia.
The Three Lions will now face tournament dark horses Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday, with a huge improvement required if Southgate’s misfiring squad are to overcome a Swiss team that comfortably beat Euro 2020 champions Italy in the previous round.
Southgate has remained stubbornly resistant to making significant changes to his lineup so far at Euro 2024, despite growing calls from fans and pundits for a shake-up to England’s uninspiring performances. The manager’s loyalty to his regular starters will now be tested, with a suspension ruling out one of his key players for the Switzerland clash.
Attempting to get inside Southgate’s mind, we have ranked his previous starting XI from least to most likely to be dropped for the quarter-final encounter:
- John Stones – The suspension of England’s best defender means he is certain to miss out, likely to be replaced by Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.
- Jordan Pickford – England’s number one goalkeeper is one of the few players to have avoided criticism, and he is certain to start against Switzerland.
- Harry Kane – The captain’s all-round play has been questioned, but his goalscoring instincts remain crucial, and he is unlikely to be dropped.
- Declan Rice – The £100m Arsenal midfielder has established himself as a key figure in Southgate’s side and should retain his place.
- Jude Bellingham – The Real Madrid star has been below his best but remains a vital cog in the England midfield, despite concerns over a potential suspension.
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- Kobbie Mainoo – The youngster impressed in the round of 16 and should keep his place, though Southgate’s tinkering in that position means he is slightly less secure.
- Kyle Walker – The experienced defender has been uncharacteristically erratic, which could open the door for a change at right-back.
- Bukayo Saka – The Arsenal winger has struggled for form, and his versatility may be the only thing keeping him in the team, with Chelsea’s Cole Palmer waiting in the wings.
- Phil Foden – The Manchester City star has failed to make the desired impact, and Southgate’s loyalty to him could be tested against Switzerland.
- Kieran Trippier – The makeshift left-back has done his best, but Southgate’s lack of a natural option in that position continues to hinder England.
- Marc Guehi – The suspended Aston Villa defender will be a significant loss for the quarter-final clash with Switzerland.
Football fans will be eagerly awaiting Southgate’s team selection and any potential tactical changes as England look to overcome their Swiss opponents and reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
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