Football News

Who will replace Marc Guehi when England play Switzerland?

As England's round of 16 match against Slovakia entered stoppage time on Sunday evening, the last thought on the minds of England fans would be replacing Marc Guehi in the quarter-finals.

The Crystal Palace defender has been awarded the coveted Euro 2024 trophy in place of Harry Maguire, arguably becoming the Three Lions' standout player amid a tough competition.

England were beaten 1-0 and headed for the humiliation they deserved when Rade Obrenović pointed out that there were six more minutes to play. Four and a half minutes into that extended period, i the moment came.

Regardless of how this campaign ends in England, Jude Bellingham's acrobatic reign will be remembered forever. Harry Kane's subsequent header early in extra-time means the Three Lions now have a quarter-final against Switzerland to consider, and Gareth Southgate has a headache at full-back.

Guehi's first-half booking on Sunday was his second at Euro 2024 and he will be suspended for Saturday's game as a result. Here are his possible replacements.

Ezri Konsa

Konsa comes off the bench in extra time against Slovakia / Jonathan Moscrop/GettyImages

Fresh off a new season with Aston Villa, Konsa looks the most likely player to team up with John Stones in Dusseldorf on Saturday.

Long overlooked by Southgate, Konsa, who was also a right-back in Unai Emery's team last season, finally got his first cap in March at the start of the year after failing to make his debut following his first call-up last November. .

Konsa has played five times for his country, including an extra-time substitute in their last 16 victory over Slovakia on Sunday. His inclusion as England saw the game out suggests he will be the next man up in Guehi's absence.

“I'm always ready,” the Villa defender said ahead of a possible start against the Swiss. Konsa has big boots to fill.

Lewis DunkLewis Dunk

Lewis Dunk hasn't shown his best form in an England shirt / Marc Atkins/GettyImages

It wasn't just the hippie players who wanted Jarrad Branthwaite in Southgate's 26-man squad. Most supporters believe that the young Everton defender was a worthy addition to Brighton's Lewis Dunk.

Dunk has struggled to show his best against England – particularly making a mistake recovery during their 2-2 draw with Belgium in March. 2023/24 wasn't Dunk's best career, but he still seems to have earned Southgate's trust.

Brighton's captain is a cool footballer with a progressive streak. He could help England's build-up with a risk or two with the ball, he is comfortable playing as a left-back, and is often dangerous when attacking set-pieces.

Dunk has his good stuff, but he seems unlikely to start on Saturday – even if he won't face Romelu Lukaku.

Joe GomezJoe Gomez

Joe Gomez may be needed at left back / Richard Sellers/Allstar/GettyImages

Very few would have included Gomez in their much-anticipated Euro 2024 squad 12 months ago, but the versatile defender's inclusion this summer was entirely deserved after he enjoyed a back-to-back season at Anfield.

The once vulnerable Gomez impressed during Jurgen Klopp's final season at Liverpool, emerging as a key contributor while Andy Robertson looked after the shoulder. He grew more comfortable in the left-back role and was selected by Southgate this summer because of his versatility.

Gomez, of course, has emerged as a full-back and most of his 15 England appearances have come in central defence. He hasn't played in Euro 2024 yet, and is behind Konsa and Dunk on the depth chart of defenders.

However, Kieran Trippier's absence on Saturday through injury means Gomez has a chance to start at left-back for Southgate. The manager could also match Switzerland up front and field a back three with Dunk and Gomez likely to push for a start along with Kyle Walker and Stones.

READ MORE ENGLAND LATEST NEWS, QUOTES AND MATCH PREVIEWS


Source link

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button