Euros 2024: England’s first big test

England will play their quarter final match today, with the Three Lions set for their first significant test of their tournament. A late Jude Bellingham wonder goal saved England last time round, taking the Round of 16 fixture, against Slovakia, to extra time. Harry Kane then headed in early in extra time, giving England the lead for the first time in the game. England then managed to hold on comfortably and now face Switzerland in the quarter final stage. 

Despite it being reported that England have the easiest draw Switzerland are no push over. They’ve only lost once in the last year, and cruised past Italy in the last round. The Swiss have got incredible momentum going in to this fixture, with the additional mentality of “nothing to lose”. The Three Lions are also arguably without their best performing player of this tournament so far. Marc Guehi received a yellow card early on against Slovakia, meaning he is suspended for this fixture. His yellow card was deserved, but unnecessary on England’s behalf. Kieran Trippier played a pass short to Guehi, meaning he got to the ball second and took out a Slovakian player in the process. 

England are rumoured to change their system for the game, switching to a three-at-the-back. Kyle Walker would move to the right centre back role (which he played in the 2020 Euros final) freeing up the right wing-back role. It has been reported that Kieran Trippier will move to this role, with Bukayo Saka then filling in at left wing-back. This will mean that Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold will be stuck on the bench again for England, moving down the pecking order as the tournament has proceeded. Trent didn’t feature at all during the round of 16, which ITV pundit and former England right back Gary Neville called “illegal”. Will the Liverpool player feature from the bench in this affair?

The change in formation will importantly bring more freedom to stars Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, with both set to play as two “number 10’s”. Harry Kane will still lead the line, as well as Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo retaining their midfield roles. Despite the poor performance in the last round, Mainoo still managed to impress in his first major tournament start, keeping it composed in the midfield. John Stones will continue starting for England in defence, with Ezra Konsa set to receive his first competitive start for England. The ever-present Jordan Pickford will also continue in goal. 

Trent will be joined by other creative sparks England can bring on from the bench, such as Cole Palmer and Ivan Toney - who was incredibly effective last time off the bench. Ebere Eze will also be available to bring on, who will be more suited to the new number 10 roles England will be playing.

A very exciting and anxious 90 minutes awaits. Can England do it, and get further in the tournament than hosts and rivals Germany? If they do, they will face either Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals, with that quarter-final fixture still yet to be played.