Euro 2024 news: England set to hand player new role as Jude Bellingham learns ban fate
RECAP: Express Sport brings you up to date with Thursday's Euro 2024 news.
It's the eve of the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, and Gareth Southgate is reportedly planning on making a bold yet welcome change to his England side against Switzerland.
The Three Lions narrowly survived humiliation at the hands of Slovakia last week, and steps to ensure they aren't in the same position again are being taken.
Southgate's 'leaked' plans could impact Phil Foden, who has endured a miserable tournament in Germany after being named the Premier League's Player of the Season.
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And the Manchester City man has shown his true colours by airing his frustrations about not being able to produce his best form for England.
The quarter-finals kick-off with two mouth-watering ties on Friday, as Spain face Germany before France and Portugal clash.
If England can't click before they meet Switzerland on Saturday, the winner of Euro 2024 will likely be among those four nations.
But if Southgate can get a tune out of his all-star squad, a favourable semi-final against the Netherlands or Turkiye awaits with victory over the Swiss.
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Jude Bellingham goal can be a turning point, says John Stones
John Stones believes Jude Bellingham’s wonder-goal against Slovakia can be the catalyst for change for England.
Bellingham struck a 95th-minute equaliser in the last-16, before Harry Kane scored an extra-time winner.
Asked if Bellingham’s goal could be a turning point, Stones said: “Yeah, 100 per cent.
“I think it is a turning point as well for us, emotionally to do it in such a high-pressure moment part of the game, last few minutes.
“I believe it’s going to change a lot of things for us as a team going through those emotions we had.
“There’s a great picture of us celebrating that goal and all the bench are off, all of the staff in the stands are up off their seats. It just shows that unity, that togetherness as a team.
“When you’ve done these things you believe then even more that you can do better and when it gets tough you can always recap to these moments and know that we can do it again.”
Euro 2024 quarter-final ties
The full fixture list for the quarter-finals to be played on Friday and Saturday is as follows:
Friday
Spain vs Germany - 5pm
Portugal vs France - 8pm
Saturday
England vs Switzerland - 5pm
Netherlands vs Turkey - 8pm
Spain star hits out at Germany ace over 'pinching'
Pedri has hit out at Germany rival Antonio Rudiger in a bizarre ‘pinching’ row.
The former Chelsea defender has a reputation for using the dark arts to put off his opponents.
Spain midfielder Pedri said: "In my opinion, his pinching during the game is a lack of respect because it hurts and bothers."
But the Barcelona star added: "Rüdiger is strong and uncompromising and played very well last season. But you don't have to be afraid of him. That is more of a perception created by the media.”
Cristiano Ronaldo having impact on Kylian Mbappe's career
Cristiano Ronaldo has been having an impact on Kylian Mbappe’s career.
The France captain says he has been in contact with his Portugal counterpart.
“Over time I’ve been very lucky to brush shoulders with him, to get to know him and have a chat with him,” said Mbappe.
“We’re still in contact and he’s always helping me. He keeps up with what’s going on in my life, and he gives me tips.
“So it’s an honour for me, when we think about what he’s done for the footballing world, regardless of what happened before or after, he will be a footballing legend. But I hope we’re going to win and get to the semi-finals.”
Ronaldo will meet Mbappe when Portugal face France in the Euro 2024 quarter-final.
When do England play Switzerland?
England are into the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
They face Switzerland hoping to reach the last-eight, having been placed in the more favourable side of the draw.
The Three Lions face the Swiss on Saturday, July 6. The match kicks off at 5pm.
England camp a 'politics-free zone'
John Stones insists there has been no discussion of the UK General Election in the England camp at Euro 2024.
The defender has no idea who his team-mates have voted for as the country goes to the polls today.
Stones said that the England camp in Blankenhain was a "Politics-free zone”, and added: "I couldn't tell you who the lads voted for, let's see what happens."
England are preparing to face Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-final on Saturday.
Co-op Food spark Euro 2024 fury
Co-op Food have angered publicans with an advert urging customers to watch Euro 2024 from home rather than going to the pub.
The advert tells customers to opt for the supermarket' pizza and beer deal and stay at home because it's hard to see the TV screen at the pub.
The Campaign for Pubs group has sent a letter to Co-op Food chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq, demanding that the advert be pulled and an apology to the hospitality industry.
It read: "You and your management team must surely be aware of what a challenging time it is for pubs and publicans, yet here you are, a supposedly ethical business, openly and deliberately undermining pubs and publicans' livelihoods at this difficult time," they wrote.
"At the time when businesses in England should be uniting in support of the national football team, the Co-op has instead cynically and shamelessly sought to attack another important business sector to try to boost your own profits from the tournament. It really goes against everything that the Co-op movement stands for. Who on earth thought this was an acceptable thing to do?"
Phil Foden set for new England role
Gareth Southgate is planning to radically change his England team beyond switching to a back three against Switzerland, according to reports.
Sky Sports claim Southgate is considering moving Phil Foden centrally to play with Jude Bellingham as two No. 10s behind Harry Kane.
The report adds that the England boss is still considering who will partner Declan Rice in midfield after Kobbie Mainoo's promising outing against Slovakia.
Rodri 'surprised' by Marc Cucurella
Spain midfielder Rodri has been left "surprised" by team-mate Marc Cucurella at Euro 2024.
Cucurella has endured a though time of things at Chelsea but has been a crucial player in Spain's run to the quarter-finals.
And Rodri has hailed Cucurella's character so far ahead of Friday's clash with Germany.
He told El Partidazo de Cope: "I know them all but… the level that Cucurella is showing.
"I already knew him but the level he is showing in a context like this in a Euro Cup… he is helping us a lot, especially defensively, the character he has. I am loving it and I hope he continues at this level."
Alan Shearer wants three England changes
Alan Shearer has called on Gareth Southgate to make three changes to his England side in Saturday's Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland.
He wants to see Ezri Konsa chosen as the defensive replacement for Marc Guehi, who will serve a one-match suspension.
Shearer is also keen for an attacking shake-up, demanding that both Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden be dropped.
The BBC pundit instead wants Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon to be given a chance on the wings.
Shearer's XI: Pickford; Walker, Konsa, Stones, Trippier; Rice, Mainoo; Palmer, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Jude Bellingham unlikely to receive ban
England midfielder Jude Bellingham is reportedly unlikely to receive a ban for his gesture towards the Slovakia bench after Sunday's 2-1 win in the last 16.
Bild report that Slovakia haven't pushed for the 21-year-old to be hit with a suspension.
So he now looks set to receive nothing more than a five-figure fine for the use of the gesture.
If Bellingham does escape further punishment, he will be available for Saturday's quarter-final clash against Switzerland.
Georgia receive hero's welcome
Georgia have been welcomed home by masses of supporters on the streets after their historic Euro 2024 campaign.
They reached the last 16 in their first-ever international tournament after beating Portugal 2-0 in the group stage.
A 4-1 defeat to Spain after they took the lead ended their run in Germany.
Ronald Koeman makes Netherlands demand
Ronald Koeman has demanded that his Netherlands team maintain the levels they showed in their 3-0 win against Romania ahead of the quarter-finals.
The Dutchman insists his side won't win Euro 2024 if they allow themselves to repeat their group-stage struggles.
On his expectations, he said: "The result is always the most important thing, but we are Dutch, and in Holland, we have to play well and offensively. We know that.
"The whole performance today was outstanding and that is what we need to do to continue in this tournament. This is the level, if we go down from this we won’t reach the final."
Phil Foden shows true colours
Phil Foden has admitted he's been left frustrated by his struggles at Euro 2024 so far.
The Premier League Player of the Season has had a disappointing tournament, but he has shown his true colours by maintaining a strong mentality.
“I’ve been a bit frustrated, I’m not going to lie," Foden explained.
“I want to try and score, try and do better things for England and at times, it’s not worked out but it’s about keeping a good mentality.”
England plotting formation change
Gareth Southgate is preparing to switch to a back three in England's Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland.
According to The Telegraph, England have been training in the new formation that will revert back to Southgate's initial system as manager.
Ezri Konsa is thought to be first in line to replace the suspended Marc Guehi and could line up next to Kyle Walker and John Stones.
A back three could facilitate Trent Alexander-Arnold's return to the team.
Good morning!
Just one more sleep until the Euro 2024 quarter-finals arrive!
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