‘Is Gareth OK?’ ask England fans as Southgate springs tactical surprise just seconds into Switzerland clash
GARETH SOUTHGATE stunned England fans by putting Bukayo Saka on the right and Kieran Trippier on the left of his five-man defence against Switzerland.
The Three Lions boss was expected to switch formation for the quarter-final clash due to the disappointing display against Slovakia and Marc Guehi’s suspension.
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But most believed Trippier would go over to the right, with Saka on the left.
In fact, it ended up being the opposite as many England supporters on social media were left shocked.
One said: “Trippier LWB and Saka RWB? Is Gareth okay?”
A second added: “I don’t understand why Saka and Trippier haven’t switched. The change in formation becomes irrelevant because it’s still unbalanced.”
A third responded: “There is literally no point switching to wing backs if you’re going to keep Trippier on the left and Saka on the right…”
While another simply replied: “Joke.”
Much has been made of the lack of width due to Trippier being a right-footer at left back.
But Saka looked dangerous in the early stages on the other side as he made several darting runs in behind the Switzerland defence.
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England reached the last eight with a stuttering performance against Slovakia as a 95th-minute overhead kick from Jude Bellingham prevented them from a disastrous Euros exit.
Ahead of the Switzerland game, Southgate said: “I feel that the team, even in training, now look in a different place mentally, they look more fluid.
“The longer the players are here, the more belief they have, the less they are being affected by what’s outside. They can see the opportunity.
“Every game can take you on a journey, like the game the other night. We have to deliver tomorrow, we have to be ready to go until the last minute again, dig deep in the moments that you have to.
“They are highly motivated guys and can see the possibility of a semi-final. There is a buzz about them and they are excited to take that challenge on.”