RIO FERDINAND PREDICTS ENGLAND'S STARTING XI FOR EURO 2024 QUARTER-FINAL CLASH WITH SWITZERLAND... AMID CALLS FOR GARETH SOUTHGATE TO MAKE CHANGES AFTER SCRAPING PAST SLOVAKIA
- England have put in four underwhelming performances during Euro 2024
- Ferdinand has predicted who he feels should start against Switzerland
- LISTEN to It's All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY: The name England chiefs have identified as Gareth Southgate’s potential successor
Rio Ferdinand has predicted his England's starting XI for their quarter-final clash with Switzerland on Friday.
The Three Lions scraped into the last-eight after Jude Bellingham scored a 95th minute overhead kick to take the game to extra-time, where captain Harry Kane would go on to seal the 2-1 victory.
However, it was the latest in a string of dismal performances from England, who are yet to show their best form at Euro 2024 and have perhaps been fortunate with a lucky draw.
Switzerland pose their biggest threat yet and calls have been made for the likes of Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon and Trent Alexander-Arnold to be brought into the squad.
However, Rio Ferdinand on his FIVE podcast, has predicted England to make just one change from the Slovakia game - one that has already been enforced on them due to Marc Guehi's suspension.
He said: '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 per cent 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.’
BBC pundit Alan Shearer is among those to urge Southgate to make changes for the Switzerland game, insisting his former England team-mate should bring in three players.
He said: 'I would keep Palmer in and I would bring Gordon in. I would keep [Kobbie] Mainoo in because he's done enough.'
Shearer like Ferdinand also backed Ezri Konsa to get the nod over Lewis Dunk and Joe Gomez to start alongside John Stones.
The likes of Gary Lineker and Gary Neville meanwhile have previously slammed Southgate for not selecting Alexander-Arnold in the starting XI.
Alexander-Arnold started the first two games in an unnatural midfield position, before he was dropped out of the starting XI.
Sky Sports pundit Neville said it was 'illegal' for the Liverpool right-back not to be playing during their clash with Slovakia.
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