News
Three Manchester City players subject to major Euro 2024 position changes in quarter-final stage
Manchester City fans could witness three positional changes to members of Pep Guardiola’s squad at the European Championships this weekend, according to reports.
Those changes concern England and their ongoing struggles at the tournament despite making the quarter-final stage of the competition and remaining one of the fans’ favourites to claim the top international prize in Europe.
Lacklustre performances from group stage into the knock-out rounds have seen many England supporters calling for major changes to Gareth Southgate’s tactics for the tournament, as well as positional movement for some of the mainstays in the line-up.
While no such changes were seen in the narrow escape against Slovakia in the last-16, the suspension to Marc Guehi in the centre of defence has sparked a rethink within the England camp, with several formations being trialled throughout the days leading up to the game.
One such solution could see three members of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City squad moved around for the meeting with Manuel Akanji and Switzerland this weekend, as detailed by one England journalist.
According to a new report from Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett, England’s ‘likely’ switch to three centre-backs against Switzerland in the quarter-final on Saturday evening may mean Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden play alongside eachother as No 10s.
It is explained that it is ‘one of the options’ that manager Gareth Southgate has been ‘experimenting with’ in training, whilst also trying ‘various formations and various players slotted into the different roles’.
As for the three central defenders potentially lining up this weekend in the last-eight phase of the tournament, Sky Sports reveals that Manchester City’s John Stones and Kyle Walker could be joined by Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.
Phil Foden has been one name highlighted for movement within the England set-up this tournament, with manager Gareth Southgate seemingly insistent on the player operating on the left of his front-three.
Despite giving him license to roam when on the ball, Foden’s performances have been some way off his Manchester City showings from last season, when the 24-year-old was entrusted by manager Pep Guardiola to operate in the centre of the park.
Foden’s showings in attacking midfield largely led to the player winning Premier League Player of the Season for the first time in his career, and Manchester City winning a historic fourth successive English top-flight crown.
-
Transfers2 days ago
Manchester City receive major boost as potential Rodri replacement open to January transfer – Liverpool previously rejected
-
Transfers2 days ago
Manchester City midfield transfer target poised to sign new contract to prevent Etihad Stadium approach
-
Transfers3 days ago
Manchester City interest in AC Milan star sparks ‘panic’ inside Serie A club
-
News2 days ago
What Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ potential England debut means for Manchester City’s finances