England will be without a key figure at the back in Marc Guehi when they take on Switzerland in their Euro 2024 quarter-final showdown on Saturday evening.
With Harry Maguire left out of the squad due to injury, the Crystal Palace star has stepped in to fill the void, starting alongside John Stones in each of the Three Lions’ four matches in Germany.
While England have lacked a creative spark in attack, their defence has been the least of Gareth Southgate’s problems with Guehi excelling on the international stage.
The 23-year-old has put in a series of commanding performances and has a strong case for being his nation’s player of the tournament so far.
But the England boss will be unable to call upon him today against an impressive Swiss side looking to end their Euro dreams today.
Why is Marc Guehi not playing against Switzerland
Guehi will serve a one-match suspension today as the result of a yellow card he picked up after just three minutes in last Sunday’s last 16 win over Slovakia.
The former Chelsea youngster had previously been booked in England’s final group game against Slovenia.
Two yellow cards have earned him a one match suspension – but should England be victorious today, he will once again be available for their semi-final showdown against Netherlands or Turkey.
Who will replace Marc Guehi?
Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa is expected to take Guehi’s place in the side.
Guehi has played alongside Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Stones as a back four but his absence will prompt a reshuffle from Southgate who will name a back three formation later today.
Konsa will join Stones in defence with Walker moving inside to form that back three.
How England will line up against Switzerland
Trippier is expected to move over to a more familiar role at right wing-back with Bukayo Saka set to take up a left wing-back role.
England have not used a back three system in a competitive match since their Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.