Nations League
Jun 9, 2019 2.00pm
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HT : 0 0
FT Estádio D. Afonso Henriques, Guimarães
  • Granit Xhaka 116' yellowcard
  • yellowcard Danny Rose 24'
  • yellowcard Jesse Lingard 27'

How England could line up against Switzerland

How England could line up against Switzerland

England will take on Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League third-place playoff on Sunday afternoon, having lost out to the Netherlands in the competition's second semi-final on Thursday night.

Marcus Rashford made the breakthrough on the night, but the Netherlands went on to score three times without reply - including twice in extra time - to book their spot in Sunday's final against Portugal.

England impressed in the group stages of the Nations League, collecting seven points from four matches against Spain and Croatia to top the section.

The Three Lions were unable to overcome Ronald Koeman's side in the final four, however, and are therefore only playing for third position in the first edition of the tournament.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Gareth Southgate's team could line up.


It would not be a surprise to see Southgate change his entire XI for Sunday afternoon's clash. The head coach might eventually revert back to the 3-5-2 which served the team well at the 2018 World Cup, although he might be keen to have another look at the 4-3-3 with a different set of players.

Jesse Lingard, Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson and Dele Alli come off the bench against the Netherlands, and it seems likely that all four will be handed spots in the XI.

Jack Butland could replace Jordan Pickford between the sticks, meanwhile, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Michael Keane, Joe Gomez and Danny Rose all potentially coming into the back four.

Eric Dier and Callum Wilson are also both pushing for starts, with John Stones - widely criticised for his mistake against the Netherlands - amongst those dropping out.

Rashford was substituted at the interval of Thursday's semi-final after taking a few knocks in the first period, and the Manchester United forward is unlikely to start.

Raheem Sterling captained Southgate's side on his 50th cap last time out, although the Manchester City attacker is expected to drop to the bench for this match.

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POLL
Who will win the UEFA Nations League third-place playoff?
Switzerland 21%
England 79%
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