I’m convinced we’ll go three at the back today with wing backs. Back three of Walker, Stones, Guehi. With Trent AA right wing back. And I think Saka might play at left wing back. Just a hunch of course, but they play three at the back and I think we’ll match them upI’ve no idea what type of England are going to turn up. We’ve been deeply unimpressive and yet we haven’t lost yet and are in the quarters. The French have, if anything, been worse and got to the semis.
This is far from a classic tournament and if we play like we have been then Switzerland should win. But if we just kick it up a little we should progress.
The defence worries me a lot. I’m not sure if either left back option is fit, but if it’s Trippier again we can forget any productivity from playing out from the back. Gomez, Dunk and Konsa offer different things at centre back but all will be right footed players turning in, further narrowing the pitch in possession. I’d take Dumk’s comfort in possession and ability to ping a diagonal, but obviously I’m biased.
Go out and it’s Southgate’s worst tournament of his tenure. Get through and it’s yet another last four on his cv, making him easily the most successful modern England coach.