Alan Shearer urges Gareth Southgate to drop England star for Euro 2024 quarter-final after experiment ‘didn’t work’

ALAN SHEARER has called on Gareth Southgate to drop Phil Foden for England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland.

Reports have emerged the Three Lions boss could switch to a back three for Saturday’s clash, with Kyle Walker joining John Stones in central defence and Ezri Konsa replacing the suspended Marc Guehi.

Alan Shearer wants Gareth Southgate to drop Phil FodenGetty

Fodenhas struggled in England’s four Euros games so farReuters

Foden is yet to register a goal contribution at the tournament

But Shearer believes a 4-3-3 shape can still produce a positive England display, despite their insipid performance against Slovakia.

However, he feels it is time to drop Premier League Player of the Season Foden, 24, after four underwhelming games on the left-hand side.

And the Newcastle legend, 53, feels Anthony Gordon should come in for the Manchester City man – who had a goal disallowed in the 2-1 win over Slovakia.

Speaking to Betfair, he said: “I can see what Gareth Southgate is trying to do, but I would much prefer if we were more balanced on the left-hand side, hence me wanting Anthony Gordon on that side because I don’t think the Phil Foden thing has worked there.

“I understand they are unbalanced because of Kieran Trippier having to play at left-back, he’s going to have to change again because Guehi is suspended.

“Whether he thinks it is right then to change the system we don’t know. I would be surprised if he did.

“I think Phil Foden has been unlucky, he hasn’t looked comfortable in the system England want to play.

“That left hand side hasn’t looked right, we haven’t got in behind anywhere near enough on that side.

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GettyShearer also wants Bukayo Saka to be replaced by Cole Palmer[/caption]

Shearer wants Anthony Gordon in for Foden against Switzerland

“His game is he wants to come inside and someone comes on the overlap. That’s been difficult for England to do with the lack of a left footer in Trippier. So, he has been unlucky.

“But he is going to have to make changes because they haven’t played well. I know they’ve won and they’ve got through but they were lucky.

“England got lucky the other night, they are into the quarter-finals, they haven’t played well. That has to be a positive because I’m sure that things can only get better.”

Shearer, 53, also wants Cole Palmer to play on the right ahead of Bukayo Saka.

Saka was moved to left-back in the extra-time win over Slovenia, while Chelsea talisman Palmer impressed on the right flank.