Gareth Southgate rues losing 'exceptional' England star for Switzerland clash

Southgate has a big decision to make (Picture: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

Gareth Southgate has been left to rue the loss of ‘’exceptional’ defender Marc Guehi who will miss England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Switzerland.

The Crystal Palace star was booked inside three minutes in Sunday’s last 16 clash against Slovakia. The Three Lions were heading for a humiliating exit until Jude Bellingham scored deep into injury time, with Harry Kane scoring the winner just minutes into the first period of extra time.

The centre-half received a poor pass from teammate Kieran Trippier, forced into a rash challenge on David Strelec which resulted in his booking.

Guehi was previously booked in the Slovenia game, with two bookings leading to a one-match suspension.

Guehi has been a pivotal figure at the back for England this summer, filling the void left by Harry Maguire who misses the tournament through injury. He has started all four games so far in Germany, forming an effective partnership with John Stones.

It now leaves the England manager with a major dilemma on his hands in replacing the 23-year-old.

He’s been exceptional. We obviously lose him now for the next game, but he’s a young defender that we’ve had enormous belief in and he’s justified that with his performances in this tournament,’ Southgate said.

Guehi has starred for England this summer ANP via Getty Images)

‘He was another one who was out on his feet before the start of extra time and we managed to keep him going and he sacrificed for the team.’

Southgate has a number of options to consider in replacing Guehi ahead of Saturday evening’s game against Switzerland, who comfortably beat defending champions Italy to book their place in the last 16.

Joe Gomez and Lewis Dunk are England’s most natural options to come in. Gomez operated at both centre-half and left-back for Liverpool last season with Brighton captain Dunk featuring in one of England’s final warm-up games against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

While a right-back by trade, Ezri Konsa could also be shifted inside.

Southgate cut two centre-halves from his final Euros squad last month with Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite and Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah not making the final cut.