“He should be jailed”, “It’s painful” - England fans slam Gareth Southgate for not starting 25-year-old in Euro 2024 quarter-final vs Switzerland

Fans have reacted to Gareth Southgate ignoring right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold from his England line-up to face Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-final on Saturday (July 6) in Dusseldorf. The Three Lions are coming off a 2-1 extra-time win over Slovakia in the Round of 16 earlier this week.

Southgate's side were on their way to catching an early flight home when they trailed by a goal entering the fifth minute of stoppage time in Gelsenkirchen. However, Jude Bellingham produced an acrobatic finish to force extra time, where Harry Kane scored with England's second shot on target all game to seal a last-eight berth.

The Three Lions boss has rung the changes due to injuries and suspensions, with Bukayo Saka starting at left-wingback, sending Kieran Trippier out to the other flank, and handing a start to Ezri Konsa.

Fans, though, can't fathom why Alexander-Arnold, 25, didn't merit a start in the Euro 2024 quarter-final, as he's the specialist right-wingback option in the squad.

One tweeted:

"If he's actually playing a 3 atb and he left out Trent as rwb, he should be jailed immediately."

Another chimed in:

"It's painful seeing Trippier start over Trent"

There were similar reactions from other fans, with Robbo tweeting:

"You make a formation that would cater for Trent's strengths & weakness just to play Trippier..."

Scott Bird commented:

"Trippier over Trent is criminal."

Elvis posted:

"Trent not starting? Southgate. U don't deserve a generational talent like Trent. Wish Trent just comes back to Liverpool and pull a ben white fr"

Paul Igoe commented:

"No Trent no party"

Southgate's side are looking to reach back-to-back semifinals at the Euros since losing to Italy on penalties in the final three years ago.

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"Winning tournaments is much more than the style of play" - England boss ahead of Euro 2024 QF with Switzerland

England boss Gareth Southgate has said that he's looking to take the game to the opposition as a place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals beckons. Having analysed the first two quarter-finals, Southgate hinted that he could be fluid with formations.

Having laboured through the group stage and narrowly averting a Round-of-16 exit, the Three Lions tactician told BBC One that the focus would be on putting pressure on their upcoming Euro 2024 opponents:

"Watching the games yesterday was a reminder that teams have a clear style like, Spain - they were drawn into going long as Germany pressed so well. Winning tournaments is much more than the style of play, and we have reiterated that point to the players. Whatever formation we play we want to get the pressure right on the opposition."

"Let’s see what the formation is first, we are always trying to get the best out of everybody. Today is a brilliant opportunity to get to another semi-final again against a team who are playing well. We cannot be giving them the game that they want, and we are looking forward to the challenge."

Switzerland, meanwhile, are looking to reach a major tournament semi-final for the first time after eliminating defending champions Italy with a 2-0 victory in the previous round.