Gareth Southgate calls urgent England meeting after huge team news leak for Switzerland game
The England manager is furious about the leak.
Gareth Southgate has called an emergency meeting to find who in the England camp has ‘betrayed’ him.
England manager Gareth Southgate has come under a lot of criticism at the 2024 European Championships for his lack of ambition and pragmatism when picking his team.
But, ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final match against Switzerland, reports have suggested that is about to change.
Southgate is expected to change formation for the upcoming clash, swapping to a back three to deal with the loss of Marc Guehi, who is suspended from the match after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament against Slovakia.
And, according to the Daily Star, the manager is reportedly furious that his plans have been revealed and called an emergency meeting with staff to discuss the leak.
Assistant manager Steve Holland is also said to be enraged by the team leak, arguing that any news regarding England’s plan heading into such a crucial match being handed to the opposition is unacceptable.
And, with the leak almost certainly coming from someone within the England camp, it is understandable why the two men are concerned.
And the pair are set to be even more upset, as more team news has emerged from The Sun, who claim that Southgate will make a shock decision over his starting backline.
With Kyle Walker set to move into the right centre-back position, many expected Trent Alexander-Arnold to slot into the right-wing back role.
But the report reveals that Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier will instead start on the right of the defence, with Alexander-Arnold resigned to the bench.
Kieran Trippier has started every one of England’s Euro 2024 matches at left-back. (Image: Getty)
On the opposite side of the defence, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka will start, with Ezri Konsa and John Stones completing the backline.
In midfield, Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo will partner Declan Rice, while Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane will lead the attack.
England v Switzerland kicks off at 5pm BST on Saturday, and will be played at the Dusseldorf Arena.
The winner of the match will go on to the semi-finals of the tournament, where they will face the winner of The Netherlands v Turkey, which kicks off at 8pm.