'Wouldn't it be lovely' - Gary Lineker makes late England request for Euro 2024 quarter-final vs Switzerland
Gary Lineker wants to see England put on a show in the first half
BBC
Gary Lineker's final wish for England's match against Switzerland just moments before kick-off was to see Gareth Southgate's side get off to a fast start in their Euro 2024 quarter-final.
England have been below-par up to this point of the competition and were seconds from being knocked out last week before Jude Bellingham's dramatic goal.
Southgate rarely made any changes to his starting line-up despite England's lacklustre displays in the group stage.
But he's made a change to England's formation against Switzerland in a bid to get his side firing on all cylinders.
Gary Lineker wants to see England put on a show in the first half
BBC
The Three Lions boss went with five at the back with Bukayo Saka and Kieran Trippier in the wing-back positions.
It also meant that Phil Foden would be deployed in a more central position having struggled out on the left.
Not since the opening group game against Serbia have England made a fast start to any match at the Euros.
And Lineker was hopeful that the changes made by Southgate would see the BBC punditry team able to praise them at half-time.
"Wouldn't it be lovely at half-time to say how great they are," he said.
"That's what we want."
"That's what we want."
The match against Switzerland marked Southgate's 100th game in charge as England boss.
Only Sir Alf Ramsey and Walter Winterbottom managed more England games during their reign.
Gareth Southgate has come under pressure this tournament
REUTERS
The 53-year-old has taken heavy criticism for England's under-par performances throughout the tournament.
But Southgate insists the style of play doesn't matter so long as they manage to get the result.
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"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," he said.
"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."