Football News Update: England’s Semi-Final Preparations at Euro 2024
As Gareth Southgate’s men prepare for their highly anticipated semi-final clash at Euro 2024, the England manager has a number of crucial decisions to make ahead of the crucial encounter.
After narrowly edging past Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-finals, Southgate must address several talking points that have emerged, including the potential return of Luke Shaw, the best utilization of Phil Foden, and how to get the most out of star striker Harry Kane.
The first matter for Southgate to consider is whether to restore Marc Guehi to the starting lineup after he served his suspension in the round-of-16 tie. Ezri Konsa performed admirably as his replacement, but Guehi’s assured displays throughout the tournament have been a notable success for the England boss.
“Another key decision revolves around the team’s formation, as Southgate must decide whether to stick with the back three that proved effective in the win over Germany or revert to a back four.”
The change of system saw Kieran Trippier operate in an advanced left wing-back role, and the manager must now consider his options, with the returning Luke Shaw potentially providing a more natural fit on the left flank.
In the midfield, the form of Phil Foden has been a talking point, with the Premier League Player of the Year struggling to find his best form for the national team. Southgate must weigh up whether to keep faith with the Manchester City star or hand a bigger role to the likes of Cole Palmer, who impressed off the bench against Switzerland.
The biggest challenge, however, may be how to get the best out of captain and talisman Harry Kane. The England striker has scored crucial goals but has not quite reached his usual high standards. With the threat of Virgil van Dijk and the Netherlands awaiting in the semi-finals, Southgate will be determined to unlock Kane’s full range of abilities and provide the necessary service to his star man.
As England prepare for their biggest test yet at Euro 2024, Southgate’s decisions in the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the Three Lions can progress to the final and secure a place in the 2024 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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