Stones expresses concern over Bellingham's potential ban for England's Euros match with Switzerland
- John Stones hopes Jude Bellingham will not be banned for England's Euros clash with Switzerland.
- Stones and Trippier insist they will be fit to face Switzerland, giving Gareth Southgate selection options.
- Southgate's change to a three-man defense during the last European Championship against Germany is reconsidered for the upcoming match.
In preparation for their quarter-final match against Switzerland, England manager Gareth Southgate is considering a shift to a back three formation, with defender John Stones expressing confidence in the team's ability to adapt smoothly. Stones highlighted past successful implementations of the system in previous tournaments, emphasizing the versatility and cohesion it brings to the team. The potential change comes as a response to underwhelming performances and the suspension of center-back Marc Guehi, with Stones likely to play a key role in organizing the defensive setup. Amidst the anticipation for the upcoming match, England's focus is also on the availability of midfielder Jude Bellingham, who faces a possible ban from UEFA due to a controversial goal celebration. Despite the off-field distractions, Stones praised Bellingham's impact on the team and expressed hope for his participation in the crucial Euro 2024 showdown. England, aiming to end a 58-year major tournament drought, sees the match against Switzerland as a significant opportunity to progress further and make a statement on the international stage. Looking ahead, a victory over Switzerland would set up a semi-final clash with either Turkey or the Netherlands, offering England a clear path to the latter stages of the tournament. The team is determined to capitalize on the current opportunity, drawing on past experiences of falling short in crucial moments. With key players like Stones and Trippier overcoming minor injury concerns, England remains focused on the task at hand and the potential for success in the upcoming match and beyond. The depth of the squad and the impact of substitutes are seen as crucial factors in maintaining momentum and securing positive results in the tournament.