Gary Neville believes Gareth Southgate's decision to switch to a back three made England look more 'balanced' – as he claims Switzerland display was England's best at Euro 2024

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Gary Neville has shared his verdict on Gareth Southgate's decision to play three at the back in England's Euro 2024 quarter-final victory over Switzerland.

Southgate had persisted playing a back four across this England campaign so far, but elected to start Kyle Walker, John Stones and Ezri Konsa in a back three on Saturday. 

This meant Kieran Trippier lined up on the left side as a wingback, with Bukayo Saka joining him on the right.

And, speaking to Sky Sports News, former England right-back Neville felt it led to a much improved display from the Three Lions.

He said: 'I thought it was better. Actually, since Gareth has taken over the times we've played three at the back I thought we've looked better.

Gareth Southgate opted for three at the back against Switzerland, handing Ezri Konsa a start

Neville praised Southgate's decision and said it led to England's best display at Euro 2024

'I've always liked us playing three at the back and for some reason we've had a better balance. I think the team suits it and we're more fluid. 

'There's a more relaxed nature with the football, particularly in the first half, where we played some half-decent stuff.'

Neville went on to assess how Southgate's men will be feeling about progressing so far, after drawing criticism for a number of dogged performances since the tournament began back in June. 

'What we can't deny about this team is that they've got tournament know-how; they get to semi-finals,' he added.

'We've had an easier run any major team within the tournament would've been happy with.  

'Spain have been playing some wonderful football, but I suppose in some ways the other big teams have been fairly unspectacular, getting through. 

'The tournament favourites have not been at their best. I do believe in performance, but sometimes you have to get through difficult matches to win trophies.

The Man City pairing of John Stones and Kyle Walker joined Konsa in the back three 

Neville went onto hail England's 'tournament know-how' after they reached the semi-finals

'Yesterday was definitely the best we looked in terms of our balance, but now we have to step up our performance levels against the Netherlands on Wednesday.

'But we're now two games away from absolute Utopia, and at the point where we've got to ask the question, can they go all the way playing the way they are, with that little bit of resilience, and little bit of patience when things aren't always going their way?'

In the meantime, fans will wait with baited breath for Wednesday, when England kick-off at 8:00pm against the Netherlands, in Dortmund.