Guehi will miss the next game (Picture: ANP via Getty Images)
England booked their place in the quarter finals of Euro 2024 in euphoric fashion on Sunday – but there are still plenty of problems to address.
The primary cause of frustration for fans and pundits alike has been England’s issues in attack where there has been a lack of cohesion and invention. It was a worrying theme throughout the group stages of the competition and again against Slovakia until Jude Bellingham’s moment of magic.
But now there is a new concern. England’s defence has been resolute thus far but a suspension for Marc Guehi will force Gareth Southgate into a change.
The Crystal Palace star was booked inside three minutes on Sunday evening, his second yellow of the competition earning him a one-match ban for the last eight showdown with Switzerland on Saturday.
Guehi has barely put a foot wrong out in Germany, impressively filling the void left by Harry Maguire alongside John Stones at the heart of defence.
Southgate has a number of possible options to solve this latest conundrum.
Metro.co.uk considers the best candidate to step in.
Guehi was booked after three minutes (Picture: ANP via Getty Images)
Who could replace Marc Guehi for England vs Switzerland?
Ezri Konsa
Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa could be the most likely option to come into the side this weekend.
While he is a centre-half by trade, the position he favours above all else, he made his England debut at right-back against Brazil in March having spent a decent portion of the 2023-24 season operating down that side under Unai Emery.
Konsa came off the bench against Slovakia (Picture: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
His versatility was a key reason for his inclusion in the final squad and most importantly, Southgate has shown his willingness to turn to the 26-year-old ahead of his other defensive options with Konsa coming off the bench against Slovakia to help see the game out.
Joe Gomez or Lewis Dunk
Having cut Jarrad Branthwaite and Jarell Quansah from his final squad, Southgate also has the centre-half options of Joe Gomez and Lewis Dunk in reserve.
The vast majority of Gomez’s football for Liverpool last season came playing in full-back roles but he is no stranger to moving inside.
Dunk also waiting in the wings (Picture: The FA via Getty Images)
32-year-old Dunk is an experienced presence at the back but made notable errors in friendly games and Brazil and Belgium in March.
Neither Dunk or Gomez have played a minute of European Championship action, particularly perplexing giving England’s problems at left-back where Gomez regularly operates. Picking players with minutes under their belt will likely be key in Southgate’s decision.
Kyle Walker
With 87 caps, Kyle Walker’s experience is vital in the England camp and the Manchester City star has featured in a back-three for his country on the biggest of stages, including the Euro 2020 final against Italy and the 2018 World Cup semi-final against Croatia.
Walker has played as part of a back three (Picture: Ibrahim Ezzat/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Such a move would surely see Southgate change his whole set-up and free up space for Trent Alexander-Arnold to return to the side in his more familiar role on the right.
But will Southgate consider that gamble?