England will play without Marc Guehi as he serves a one-match ban after picking up two yellow cards.
In the aftermath of England's hard-fought victory over Slovakia, Gareth Southgate took a moment to sing the praises of Marc Guehi, the young defender who will unfortunately miss the upcoming semi-final clash against Switzerland due to accumulated yellow cards.
"We obviously lose him now for the next game," Southgate acknowledged with a hint of disappointment in his voice.
Guehi, who picked up his second yellow card of the tournament in the Slovakia game, will have to sit out after an impressive run in the European Championship.
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"He's a young defender that we've had enormous belief in," Southgate continued, his faith evident in every word.
"He's justified that with his performances in this tournament." Indeed, Guehi's maturity and composure on the pitch have been a testament to his growth and potential in the national team setup.
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Southgate highlighted Guehi's crucial role in the team's journey, particularly in the intense match against Slovakia where the defender not only battled through the full 90 minutes but also gave his all in extra time.
"He was another one who was out on his feet before the start of extra time," Southgate remarked, underlining the defender's dedication and sacrifice for the team's cause.
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The first yellow card Guehi received came earlier in the tournament, during the draw against Slovenia. Despite this setback, Guehi's overall contribution has been instrumental in England's defensive solidity and their progression to the semi-finals.
As England prepares to face Switzerland without Guehi in the lineup, Southgate's admiration and belief in the young defender remain unwavering. Two options remain for the English boss- to start either Lewis Dunk or Joe Gomez.
Looking ahead, Guehi's absence will undoubtedly be felt, but his performances thus far have left an indelible mark on England's campaign, promising a bright future ahead for both player and team alike.