Rio Ferdinand has made predictions on the lineup that Gareth Southgate will use for England’s quarterfinal matchup with Switzerland in the Euro 2024.
After pulling off an amazing comeback against Slovakia in the round of sixteen, the Three Lions take face Switzerland on Saturday in Dortmund.
A few minutes from an ignominious elimination from the Euros for Southgate’s team, Jude Bellingham’s incredible injury-time goal and Harry Kane’s extra-time header turned the match around and sent England through.
Fans of England are already arguing about which team manager Garry Southgate should choose for Saturday’s match as the Three Lions attempt to overcome a Swiss team that eliminated Italian champions Italy the last time around and nearly defeated Germany in the group stage.
Southgate will make at least one enforced change after Marc Guehi picked up his second yellow card of the tournament against Slovakia to be suspended for the quarter-final.
‘This is what I think Gareth will play,’ England and Manchester United legend Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.
‘Jordan Pickford picks himself. Right-back, Kyle Walker. Marc Guehi is suspended so Ezri Konsa will come in I think. John Stones and then I still think he will play Kieran Trippier at left-back.
‘I would play Luke Shaw, I would get him out there even if he was 75% fit, I’m sorry. He would give us the balance that we need. I would play him.
‘I don’t think Trippier has that real understanding of playing left-back. He’s a great right-back and a great player but he’s finding it difficult. I think he plays Trippier though, as much as I would play Shaw.
‘I think he keeps it the same: Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Harry Kane.
‘I don’t think he changes. I cannot see him making changes. I think we will see late subs again and win the game.’
If Ferdinand’s prediction comes true, England supporters might not be too excited, especially considering Trippier’s difficulties at left-back and the team’s overall lack of cohesiveness.
In fact, three changes from the lineup that struggled against Slovakia have been demanded by former England striker Alan Shearer.
When asked what adjustments he would make, Shearer said, “I would bring [Anthony] Gordon in and I would keep [Cole] Palmer in” on the podcast The Rest is Football.
Mainoo has accomplished enough, therefore I would keep him on. Regarding Guehi’s disappearance, Shearer said, “I would accompany Konsa.” Since he is the one who has participated a little more, I would include him.