A look at England’s defensive options following Marc Guehi’s suspension – The Irish News

England will be forced to make at least one change in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals as Marc Guehi’s suspension forces Gareth Southgate to consider defensive options.

Guehi, arguably England’s best player at the tournament, received a second yellow card early in the tournament during the round of 16 match against Slovakia.

The PA news agency assesses the candidates to replace Crystal Palace at centre-back for their clash with Switzerland.

Konsa’s tip?

Ezri Konsa’s performance in extra-time against Slovakia could make him a likely replacement for Guehi, even if he came on at left-back as part of a series of desperate late-match shuffles.

In 35 Premier League appearances in the 2023-24 season, Konsa led the way for Aston Villa, making 62 interceptions and winning 59 per cent of his 54 tackles. By comparison, Guehi made 25 appearances and made just 18 interceptions and 28 tackles, although 68 per cent of those were successful.

Konsa’s 76% one-on-one success rate was the highest of England’s centre-back options in Germany, as was his tally of 167 wins, although the Premier League was notable for two errors leading to goals.

Brighton defender Lewis Dunk’s 88 interceptions equaled Guehi’s tally for the most passes of any center back in Southgate’s team, though in eight more appearances, and his comfort on the ball may be a factor – only Manchester City star Rodri made more passes than Dunk (3,212 passes) in the Premier League last season, with a pass success rate of over 90 percent.

Dunk’s 27 tackles rank ninth among Brighton players – behind forwards Danny Welbeck, Joao Pedro and Simon Adingra – although this is partly due to the Seagulls’ pressing system, and it is worth remembering that centre-back Leah Williamson led England to glory at the 2022 European Women’s Championship without not making a single tackle.

Another option for Southgate is Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, whose standout statistic from the league season is a 74 per cent success rate in aerial duels – winning 31 of 42, equalling the rate of potential England partner John Stones.

Like Konsa, Gomez’s versatility will be another asset in his favour should Southgate opt for more far-reaching changes.

Emergency switch?

Luke Shaw’s absence forced Kieran Trippier to play outside left-back for the duration of the tournament, which had a noticeable effect on the balance of the England team.

Gomez is an alternative option, having played the majority of his club season in that position, with Liverpool struggling with long-term injuries to Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, while Konsa’s short international career has been spent primarily as a winger.

England briefly moved to a back three in extra time against Slovakia and although Bukayo Saka and, in particular, Eberechi Eze, are unlikely to be fielded at full-back on Saturday, the system provides another option.

Kyle Walker would likely move to the right of the trio in this scenario, with Trippier or Trent Alexander-Arnold off him. Trippier could still be required at left-winger if Shaw remains unavailable, unless Saka or Gomez are preferred.

Yellow cards are removed after the quarter-finals due to suspension, but Trippier, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Kobbie Mainoo and Conor Gallagher will all be walking a tightrope against Switzerland.