Marc Guehi’s suspension could give Liverpool star a way back into Southgate’s Xi albeit in a different role

Trent Alexander-Arnold could be recalled into England’s starting XI if Gareth Southgate changes formation against Switzerland

According to a report from The Telegraph, Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold could be in for a positional change for England with manager Gareth Southgate contemplating the idea of using a back-three system against Switzerland.

Gareth Southgate used a 4-2-3-1 formation in England’s first four games at the 2024 European Championships. Trent Alexander-Arnold started in the double pivot with Declan Rice in their opening two games against Serbia and Denmark, but was subsequently dropped for Conor Gallagher and Kobbie Mainoo against Slovenia and Slovakia, respectively.

In the third group-stage game, the 25-year-old came off the bench in the 84th minute despite England finding it difficult to unlock a stubborn Slovenia backline. The game ended in a 0-0 draw eventually, with Alexander-Arnold managing just 11 minutes.

Surprisingly, he was an unused substitute in England’s laboured 2-1 win over Slovakia in the last 16, with skipper Harry Kane scoring the winner in the extra time.

With Marc Guehi suspended for the high-voltage quarter-final clash against Switzerland, Gareth Southgate is considering switching to a back three. The aforementioned report claims that the England boss has “trialled the idea of a back three in training” with Ezri Konsa likely to step in for the suspended Guehi.

If there is an alteration in the formation, we could see Konsa joining John Stones and Kyle Walker in a three-man defence. With this change in system could open up an opportunity for Alexander-Arnold to regain a spot in the side, mostly as a right wing-back. Walker moving into central defence would help the Liverpool vice-captain to operate in his favoured right-sided role.

As a wing-back, the 25-year-old would get the freedom to venture forward, join attacks more and use his skills to create chances in the final third for the forwards. The potential formation change should largely benefit Alexander-Arnold, especially after failing to feature against Slovakia in the last 16. Also, having Walker behind as extra security in defence would allow the Liverpool star to play his natural game and focus less on the defensive side of the game.

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Of course, there is no confirmation whatsoever that England will switch to a back three against Switzerland on Saturday in Dusseldorf. But if they do, there will be no excuses for Southgate to not use Alexander-Arnold as a wing-back and utilise his true potential.