England's Southgate mum on possible formation changes ahead of Swiss clash

DUESSELDORF, Germany : England's manager Gareth Southgate deftly dodged questions about changes in formation for Saturday's quarter-final clash with Switzerland at Euro 2024 but said the team have looked better in training this week than they have all tournament.

Southgate has been criticised for his rigidity through four uninspiring games but reports surfaced this week that he planned to switch from four at the back to three, which would allow him to employ his wing-backs higher up the pitch.

"We're always considering the best way to approach a game," he said. "We're always trying to prepare to give our opponents the best possible game."

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford similarly sidestepped the question, saying there was not much difference between the two formations.

"It is about being balanced whatever formation you play," he said. "If it is a back three or back four, the shape won't change as much."

While Southgate would not confirm whether Luke Shaw will be in the team, the let back is finally fit to start having not played since February due to injury.

The manager also praised the "brilliant job" right-footed Kieran Trippier has done in that position.

"(Trippier) doesn't give that balance a natural left-footer would but his leadership, communication and his talking is phenomenal and it helps the wingers in front of them play their game," Southgate said.

ENGLAND PROGRESS

While England have yet to look anything like their pre-tournament billing as tournament favourites, Southgate said he has seen progress in training.

"You obviously want to play well as a team, your ambition is to play as well as you possibly can. Every team wants to excite, every team wants to score goals," said Southgate, who will manage his 100th game for