Summary

  1. Who will start for England?published at 14:32 5 July

    England v Switzerland (Sat, 17:00 BST)

    We are about to move on from England formations and Gareth Southgate and look ahead to tonight's first two quarter-finals.

    But before we do that, it is worth highlighting that a return to a 3-5-2, as Southgate is expected to do in Saturday's match against Switzerland, will take the England manager full circle.

    He has flirted with various iterations of three at the back during his tenure, but the 3-5-2 formation was his go-to system of play at the 2018 World Cup, when Southgate really made his mark.

    Will he be tempted to go back to the formation below - as featured in his most used starting XI?

    If so, who will fill each position? Who do you want to see in the back three? Who will play in the wide roles? Could there even be room for an extra striker to partner Harry Kane?

    All will be revealed tomorrow - over to you Gareth...

    England's most used starting XI under Gareth SouthgateImage source, Opta
  2. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 14:23 5 July

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    If Shaw is genuinely fit I would go 3-5-2. It would allow us to utilise our attacking midfield more, and have two genuine strikers. Yes, it could come with defensive risks, but we need to be more aggressive, use our attacking threat and take the "we will score more goals than you " approach.

    Philip, Bath

  3. How Southgate ranks among England men's greatest managerspublished at 14:14 5 July

    England

    Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Moore with the World Cup trophy in 1966Image source, Getty Images

    So how does Gareth Southgate rate alongside the great managers of the England men's team?

    Only Sir Alf Ramsey (113) and Walter Winterbottom (139) have previously made it to 100 games in charge.

    Clearly, Ramsey leads the way in terms of trophies won - his triumph at the 1966 World Cup remains the only major silverware won by the England men's team.

    Winterbottom has the most wins overall (78), but had one less than Southgate's current tally of 60 in his first 100 games as manager. Sir Alf heads that benchmark, with 63 wins from his first 100 games.

    In terms of overall win percentage, Southgate's 60.6% ranks him fourth among England managers - Fabio Capello heads that list with 66.7% from 42 games, while Ramsey is second on 61.1%.

    At major tournaments, the Three Lions' World Cup-winning coach has a win percentage of 66.7% from 12 games - Southgate is second on 56.5% from 23 matches.

  4. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 14:03 5 July

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)

    If England win tomorrow, that means Southgate will have taken us to three semi-finals. We'd have taken that when he was appointed.

    Martin in Derby

  5. How Kane has flourished under Southgatepublished at 13:56 5 July

    England

    Gareth Southgate and Harry KaneImage source, Getty Images

    It is hard to see past captain Harry Kane when considering who has been the most important player of Gareth Southgate's tenure as manager.

    Kane has scored 60 goals in 78 appearances under Southgate - in 68 of those games the Bayern Munich striker led the team as captain.

    That goal tally is more than any other player under a single men's England manager, with Gary Lineker next on the list, scoring 35 times during Bobby Robson's reign.

    The former Tottenham front man had scored just five goals in 17 international games before the current Three Lions boss took charge of the team.

    He is comfortably England's leading goalscorer in the Southgate era, with Raheem Sterling next best on 18, begging the question how successful the Three Lions would have been without him.

    Kane also has the most assists under Southgate, with 18, three more than Sterling, who is second on the list.

    That brings his tally to a staggering 76 goal contributions in 78 games.

    Kane also has the most starts (70) under Southgate, as well as the most appearances.

    Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is second to Kane in terms of starts, with 65, while vice-captain Kyle Walker has made the second most appearances (67).

  6. England's most used starting XI under Southgatepublished at 13:45 5 July

    England

    Southgate's most frequent starting XI: Pickford; Maguire, Stones, Walker; Henderson; Young, Dele, Lingard, Trippier; Sterling, KaneImage source, Opta

    A stick that is often used to beat Gareth Southgate with is that he is stubborn in his team selections, reticent to change and too loyal to players who fall out of form.

    But the statistics, provided by Opta, don't quite back that up.

    In Southgate's 99 games as manager, the starting line-up above is the one that he has used most often.

    Yet the Three Lions head coach started this team in only four matches, all of which came in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

    That means he has never named any other starting line-up more than three times.

    For the record, this team helped England get off to a winning start in Russia with a 2-1 victory over Tunisia. They then helped see off Colombia in the round of 16, albeit on penalties, and Sweden in the quarter-finals before losing to Croatia in the last four.

  7. Southgate at 99 - major tournament recordpublished at 13:34 5 July

    England

    At major tournaments, Gareth Southgate has managed 23 matches, eight more than any other England men's manager.

    In those 23, England have recorded 13 wins, six draws and four defeats, giving Southgate at major tournaments a win ratio of 56.5%.

    Southgate's win ratio is the second highest of men's England managers, only behind Alf Ramsey (66.7%).

    Southgate's 13 wins also puts him five wins higher than any other managers for wins at major tournaments.

    Gareth SouthgateImage source, Getty Images
  8. Southgate at 99 - most memorable gamespublished at 13:25 5 July

    As Gareth Southgate looks to celebrate his 100th match as England manager, here is a look back at some of his most memorable matches as England's manager since his first game as manager in 2016.

    2018 World Cup round of 16 - England 1-1 Colombia (England 4-3 win on penalties)

    England beat Colombia on penalties in the round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup. It was their first World Cup knockout stage victory for 12 years, since beating Ecuador at the same stage in 2006.

    2018 World Cup quarter-finals - England 2-0 Sweden

    A few days later, England went one further and beat Sweden 2-0 in the quarter-finals. It was their first World Cup quarter-final victory since a 3-2 win over Cameroon at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, with Harry Maguire and Dele Alli getting the goals.

    2021 European Championships round of 16 - England 2-0 Germany

    At the last European Championships, England reached the quarter-finals by beating old rivals Germany 2-0 at Wembley. It was their first win over Germany at a major tournament since Euro 2000.

    2021 European Championships semi-finals - England 2-1 Denmark (after extra-time)

    England reached a first final of a major tournament since 1966 with a 2-1 win over Denmark at the last Euros. They had to come from behind, with Harry Kane scoring the winner in extra-time.

    2024 European Championships round of 16 - Slovakia 1-2 England (after extra-time)

    While the performance was below par, the nature of England's round of 16 win over Slovakia will long live in the memory. Jude Bellingham's last-gasp overhead kick took the tie into extra-time, with Kane heading in the winner a minute into extra-time.

    England celebrate beating Denmark at Euro 2020Image source, Getty Images
  9. 'Quiet July' followed by 'crescendo in August'published at 13:20 5 July

    Liverpool

    Liverpool sporting director Richard HughesImage source, Getty Images

    Arne Slot was joined by Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes in his first news conference as the club's head coach.

    Hughes, who was appointed by Liverpool in March, promised a slow start to the summer's transfer activity at Anfield, but told fans that a "quiet July" would be followed by a "crescendo in August".

    He added: "We will always be ready when the market opens."

    On Slot's appointment: "[It was] based on playing style and data, all the metrics came out well. [His side's] play with passion, which lends well to the squad we have.

    "I believe the playing style will work - to try to grab games by the scruff of the neck. Not a hugely different approach [to previous manager Jurgen Klopp's]."

  10. Slot on his 'similar but different' playing stylepublished at 13:13 5 July

    Liverpool

    Mohammed SalahImage source, Getty Images

    It is natural for any new manager to put their own stamp on a club, but Arne Slot spent just as much time in his first news conference as Liverpool manager accentuating the things he would not be looking to overhaul - to begin with at least.

    "I have been there [to Anfield] once myself and I felt what it meant to fans to see the team playing," said Slot, 45, on his excitement at taking charge of his first home league game, against Brentford on 24 August.

    "It is a win-win situation - a very good team to work with but implementing a playing style that is going be similar but different will lead to support from fans and lead to special things."

    Slot says he is "expecting two more to join" his backroom staff and there will be "more announcements to come", but gave little away in terms of the new players he is looking to bring in.

    "Not specific numbers [we want]," he said, when asked how many transfers he was looking to make.

    "We have inherited a squad that is a good team. The longer a team plays together, if there is a good manger or coach, normally you see it improve. I'm at a club now that not many players leave. I'm expecting to keep most of our players and from there we can only build."

    To read more on Liverpool, head to our dedicated club page here.

  11. Slot on taking charge at a 'really special club'published at 13:05 5 July

    Liverpool

    Arne SlotImage source, Getty Images

    While most Netherlands fans are busy preparing for their Euro 2024 quarter-final against Turkey, one Dutchman has his sights solely set on making his mark in the Premier League.

    Arne Slot, speaking to the media for the first time since being unveiled as Liverpool head coach, was asked whether he was concerned about being compared with predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

    "You can look at it both ways," said the 45-year-old. "Big shoes to fill but also inheriting a squad and a team of winning culture. You want to work at a club with good players and the opportunity to win something, which Liverpool have shown."

    On why has has chosen to leave Feyenoord, a year after leading them to the Dutch title: "I worked at a really special club [but] Liverpool are one. Hearing why Liverpool wanted to bring me in made [talks] go fast."

  12. Wolves have spoken to O'Neil about a new dealpublished at 12:58 5 July

    Nick Mashiter
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Wolves have held informal talks with head coach Gary O’Neil about a new deal.

    Nothing has been agreed yet and the nature of the conversations have been relaxed but there is a desire to get the deal done and it is expected it would be an easy one to finalise.

    Sporting director Matt Hobbs said in March the club would speak with O’Neil, who has two years left on his current deal, about a new contract at the end of the season.

    Wolves and O’Neil are relaxed with the situation and currently focused on the transfer window, meaning any agreement is not imminent and may not even come before the start of the new campaign, which kicks off at Arsenal on August 16.

    The former Bournemouth head coach took Wolves to 14th in the Premier League last season having been appointed five days before their opening game at Manchester United after ex-boss Julen Lopetegui left Molineux in frustration at the recruitment policy.

    They were competing for a European place and reached the FA Cup quarter final in March, only to lose 3-2 at home to Coventry.

    After that Wolves lost eight of their final 11 games – winning once – to tumble out of European contention.

    Gary O'NeilImage source, Getty Images
  13. Atmosphere building in Stuttgart before big gamepublished at 12:53 5 July

    Germany v Spain (17:00 BST)

    Gary Rose
    BBC Sport in Stuttgart

    .

    Stuttgart's city centre has been bustling with Spain and Germany fans since the morning, and the atmosphere has been great as such a huge game approaches.

    Both groups have fans have been mingling, taking photos with Spain fans dressed as matadors, while one brave Germany fan got in amongst his rival supporters to make a bold claim over which country's food was superior.

    It is bold because chorizo is the clear winner...

    .
  14. England have not played with a back three for 23 gamespublished at 12:47 5 July

    • Southgate used a back three or back five formation for a run of 16 straight games between October 2017 and ending in September 2018 with a 1-0 friendly win over Switzerland, which included every game at the 2018 World Cup. Southgate then flipped to a 4-3-3 formation for almost all of the following two years.
    • England used a back three in just two games at Euro 2020 - the 2-0 last-16 victory over Germany and in the final against Italy.
    • Southgate has not started with a back three or back five formation in the last 23 games - since a 3-3 Nations League draw with Germany in September 2022. They played four at the back throughout the Qatar World Cup.
    • There has been discussion about England 'matching up' Switzerland's formation, but the last time England 'matched' a top European side’s starting formation with three at the back was a 1-0 Nations League loss in Italy in September 2022.

    Have those facts changed your mind? Select your England starting XI v Switzerland for Saturday's quarter-final here.

  15. Back three and back five Southgate statspublished at 12:37 5 July

    • Southgate’s overall win percentage in his 99 games so far is 60.6%.
    • At major tournaments it is 56.5% from 23 games so far.
    • Of Southgate's 99 games in charge, he has used a back three or a back five in exactly a third of them - 33 games.
    • His win ratio is 48.5% with a back three or back five, compared to 60.6% win ratio overall.
    • When facing a back three or back five - as Switzerland use - Southgate's win ratio is 61% from 41 games.

    Convinced? Select your England XI v Switzerland for Saturday's quarter-final here.

  16. Southgate considering changing to back three defencepublished at 12:32 5 July

    Alex Howell
    BBC football news reporter at the England camp

    Gareth Southgate is considering changing to a three-man defence for the quarter-final of Euro 2024 against Switzerland on Saturday.

    England have played with four at the back so far this tournament and have been strong defensively despite their overall performances being criticised.

    Southgate will have to make at least one change to his back line as Marc Guehi is suspended and Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is a possibility to come into the side.

    Switzerland play with three at the back and teams playing in that formation have caused England problems in this tournament, with captain Harry Kane saying there was "confusion" amongst the players when they played against it.

    The Three Lions have had success playing with a back three and used the formation in the Euro 2020 final and also when they reached the 2018 World Cup semi-final.

    Speaking at an England news conference on Thursday, defender John Stones said he does not think anyone knows the "exact team or system" manager Gareth Southgate will settle on for Saturday's quarter-final.

    “We train with everyone in different positions, even different scenarios it makes it seamless so that's the good. Whoever plays I have massive faith in them."

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  17. Back to a back three?published at 12:26 5 July

    England v Switzerland (Sat, 17:00 BST)

    England

    England's win over Slovakia saw the Three Lions end the game with a return to a back three formation, something Gareth Southgate has found success in, but not used in recent times.

    But what formation should Southgate use tomorrow against Switzerland?

    Let's have a look at the formation debate ahead of that quarter-final showdown.

  18. Demiral admitted 'wolf salute' celebration was pre-plannedpublished at 12:16 5 July

    Merih DemiralImage source, Getty Images

    Merih Demiral admitted after making the ultra-nationalist 'wolf salute' in his goal celebration in Turkey's 2-1 victory over Austria that it was pre-planned.

    The 26-year-old centre-back, who plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, scored twice in the last-16 tie to set up Saturday's quarter-final against the Netherlands.

    "I had a goal celebration in mind, which I did," said Demiral on making the salute, which is banned in Austria and France.

    "I am very proud because I am a Turk, therefore after the goal I felt it deeply and I wanted to do it, and I am very happy about doing it."

    Uefa today announced a two-game ban for Demiral, which followed concerns expressed by German interior minister Nancy Faeser following Turkey's last-16 win in Leipzig.

    “The symbols of Turkey’s far-right extremists do not belong in our stadiums," said Faeser.

    "The Euros should not be used to promote racism."

    The 'wolf salute' is a gesture associated with the far-right extremist group Grey Wolves that is linked with Turkey's ruling National Movement Party.

  19. Demiral to miss quarter-final and semi-finalpublished at 12:09 5 July

    Netherlands v Turkey (Sat, 20:00 BST)

    UEFA's decision to ban Turkey's Merih Demiral means he will miss Turkey's quarter-final clash with Netherlands on Saturday night.

    Should Turkey win that, Demiral's ban will also see him miss the semi-finals against either England or Switzerland, should Turkey get there.

  20. Two-game ban for Turkey's Demiral over celebrationpublished at 12:03 5 July

    Netherlands v Turkey (Sat, 20:00 BST)

    Warning: This article contains an image that some people may find offensive.

    Turkey defender Merih Demiral has been given a two-match ban for making an ultra-nationalist salute during his country's Euro 2024 win against Austria.

    Demiral, 26, scored both Turkey's goals as they beat Austria 2-1 to earn a quarter-final spot against the Netherlands.

    The Al-Ahli defender celebrated his second goal with a 'wolf salute', a gesture associated with the far-right extremist group Grey Wolves that is linked with Turkey's ruling coalition party the National Movement Party.

    Demiral said the salute, which is banned in Austria and France, was pre-planned in case he scored.

    Merih Demiral's ultra-nationalist salute during his country's Euro 2024 win against AustriaImage source, Getty Images
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