The Three Lions need to rethink their strategy after four dismal performances and reverting to a 5-3-2 formation could help them get their mojo back

After treading water in a dull and underwhelming journey through Euro 2024, England are now in the deep end, in the quarter-finals and against a hugely impressive Switzerland side who have already knocked out holders Italy. So will Gareth Southgate's side sink or swim?

The manager has been reluctant to make many changes to the starting XI that begun the tournament but the absence of the excellent Marc Guehi means he has no choice but to make some tweaks against the Swiss, and changing formation might be the best hope he has of getting a tune out of his team.

Some of the best moments of Southgate's England tenure have come while playing a 5-3-2 and there is a compelling case to bring it back, not least because Murat Yakin has been using the same shape to great effect.

GOAL picks the team Southgate should unleash in Dusseldorf…

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  GK: Jordan Pickford

  England's No. 1's status is secure after a solid tournament. He has rarely been called upon to make actual saves but has had to sharpen his reflexes as danger has never been far away.

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• RWB: Kieran Trippier

  The Newcastle star has struggled to have much of an impact at left-back for obvious reasons but has worked hard and done his best in a difficult situation. He deserves to keep his place, as long as he recovers from the knock which forced him off against Slovakia, and be restored to his natural right side. He has had a lot of good games as a wing back for England and his defensive qualities make him a more reliable option for the role than Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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  CB: Kyle Walker

  The suspension of Marc Guehi, England's most consistent defender if not overall performer in Germany, means reinforcements are needed. And Walker is the best man for the job.

  He was not at his sharpest against Slovakia but his long throw helped get England out of jail. He has a lot of experience in a back three for his country and is also used to coming inside at Manchester City ever since Pep Guardiola altered his vision for full-backs.

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  CB: John Stones

  The City defender needs to improve on his performances but he is still the most experienced centre-back in the squad and, in the absence of Guehi, the most talented. He should be helped by the understanding he has worked up with Walker for club and country and should have no trouble relearning his trade in a back three.