England suffer major injury scare ahead of Switzerland game that could be disastrous for Gareth Southgate
England resume their Euro 2024 campaign on Saturday.
England have suffered a major injury scare ahead of their crunch game against Switzerland at Euro 2024.
England beat Slovakia last weekend to set up a quarter-final clash against Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday.
Gareth Southgate is already without Marc Guehi, who’s suspended for the Euros match after picking up a yellow card against Slovakia – his second of the tournament.
The Three Lions boss could also be without Jude Bellingham, who is under investigation by UEFA for his X-rated gesture that he performed after his stunning bicycle kick goal.
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And Southgate has been handed a fresh scare ahead of England resuming their campaign.
According to Craig Hope, John Stones trained on Wednesday, but with heavy strapping on his right knee.
Stones has played all four of England’s games at Euro 2024.
The Manchester City defender, however, was ‘able to move freely’, according to reports.
A second hit to England’s defence would be a huge blow to Southgate, who will be tasked with replacing Guehi for their tie against Switzerland.
The 53-year-old has the likes of Ezri Konza, Lewis Dunk and Joe Gomez at his disposal.
Konza made a substitute appearance in England’s 2-1 victory over Slovakia while Dunk and Gomez have yet to feature in Germany.
John Stones trains with heavy strapping on his right knee. Image: Getty
England take on the Swiss, having scraped past Slovakia following a dramatic equaliser by Bellingham before Harry Kane scored their winner.
Southgate said his side’s win over Slovakia has given them belief for the rest of the tournament.
“There’s no question it will give the whole group belief,” he said.
“We know we should be better than we’ve been, but we’ve ended up with a lot of young players in important positions and trying to solve problems right the way through the four weeks of the camp.
“But the standout is the way the players are dealing with it. Their togetherness, their spirit.”
Gareth Southgate on England injury crisis
On England’s quarter-final opponents, he added: “They have had some consistency in what they do for a long time. Their system is difficult to press. They’ve got good rotation.
“Once they’ve been ahead, they’ve been really difficult to break down, so they are a very good side.”