Rio Ferdinand says he'll be 'walking home from Germany' if England player doesn't start against Switzerland

England’s rumoured line-up for their quarter-final clash against Switzerland has emerged.

All eyes are on Gareth Southgate ahead of England’s quarter-final clash against Switzerland as he prepares to ‘radically change’ his tactical plan for the game in Dusseldorf.

Southgate is reportedly considering switching to a back three to cope with the loss of Marc Guehi, who is suspended after picking up his second booking of the tournament against Slovakia.

John Stones, Ezri Konsa and Kyle Walker look set to make up the back three, according to Sky Sports News, while Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are expected to play as two No 10s.

 

In terms of the two wing-back roles, Trent Alexander-Arnold has cemented his place on the right flank for Liverpool in recent years, while the left-back slot could be filled by either Bukayo Saka or Luke Shaw, who is expected to be fit.

Southgate will also have to consider who to play in midfield alongside Declan Rice as Kobbie Mainoo and Conor Gallagher battle for that ‘number 6’ role.

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Mainoo was one of England’s standout performers in what was a lacklustre display against Slovakia in the last-16.

 

And ahead of this weekend’s game against Switzerland, Rio Ferdinand has backed Southgate to give the teenager his second consecutive start of Euro 2024.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the former Manchester United defender said: “If Kobbie ain’t starting, I’m walking back from Germany! Has to….”

Image credit: Getty
Image credit: Getty

Many are in agreement with Ferdinand, including former England international Jack Wilshere, who says Southgate needs to build his team around Mainoo.

 

“Kobbie Mainoo has shown he is the player that England need to build their midfield ­- and their team – around,” Wilshere told The Sun.

“That’s what I felt as it looked like we were slipping to defeat. I know he was not on the pitch when our goals went in.

“But until that unbelievable comeback, Mainoo was our best player. He has a fearlessness and an instinct to do the right things at the right times that seemed to be lacking for so much of the game.”

“Mainoo is the kind of midfielder England have been crying out for for a long time. He can be the glue that holds together this team for the rest of the tournament and well into the future.”

 

Do you think Mainoo should start against Switzerland? Let us know.