England fans slam Gareth Southgate's 'criminal' decision to start Kieran Trippier over Trent Alexander-Arnold, as they question why two other England stars have been left out for Euro 2024 clash with Switzerland

England fans have been left baffled by Gareth Southgate's decision to start Kieran Trippier over Trent Alexander-Arnold for today's Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland.

The England boss has opted to switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation for the first time in the tournament, and many expected the right wing-back role to be occupied by Alexander-Arnold.

However, Southgate has given the nod to Newcastle's Trippier - a controversial call which has received plenty of criticism.

'Trippier over Trent is criminal,' one fan posted on X after England's starting XI was confirmed.

Another added: 'You make a formation that would cater for Trent's strengths & weaknesses just to play Trippier.'

One supporter was also unconvinced by Southgate's decision-making, as they wrote: 'Trippier over Trent….not sure.'

Former England defender Jamie Carragher was also stunned to see Trippier starting instead of Alexander-Arnold, after England's line-up was leaked in the hours ahead of kick-off.

Speaking earlier on Saturday, he told Sky Sports News: 'Kieran Trippier has done a decent job at left back. He's picked him over Trent Alexander-Arnold, which I just cannot fathom at all. I mean, that's not the Liverpool fan in me.' 

'The reason that you'd play Trippier over Trent, I just can't get my head around. The only reason would be that Kieran has played maybe a few more games, maybe he trusts him. But when you say defensively, the whole point of playing three at the back is to release your wing backs. And you've got Kyle Walker behind you, he's the quickest player in the squad to mop up anything if you get caught out defensively.

'So to not put Trent in that position, I cannot believe that one. I must be honest, I can't. I can only imagine where his head is right now in this tournament. But Kieran Trippier is a player who Gareth trusts, he puts him in. Whether it be left back, right back, right wing back, left wing back, he always seems to find a place for him. But I would have played Trent in that position.'

Southgate may have switched systems, but he has only made one change in personnel, with Ezri Konsa coming into a back three to replace the suspended Marc Guehi. 

That means Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon are still waiting for their first starts of the tournament, with Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden set to provide support for Harry Kane on Saturday evening.

Some England fans have reservations about Foden after a series of underwhelming displays in Germany so far, and are disappointed that Palmer and Gordon remain on the bench.

'FODEN PLAYING, WE AINT WINNING,' one fan claimed.

'No Gordon or Palmer again?! Have some shame,' was the response of another fan. 

Southgate is taking charge of his 100th England game tonight, and has won 60 of his previous 99.

He is aiming to lead England to a third major tournament semi-final in the last six years, but knows his players must step up after failing to deliver in Germany in the group stages and last-16.