da dobrowin： The absence of the consistent Crystal Palace centre-back gives the Three Lions manager yet another problem to solve ahead of Saturday's game

da fezbet： As if England didn't already have enough problems to contend with in their miserable Euro 2024 campaign, they will be without their most consistent performer for the quarter-final tie against Switzerland. Marc Guehi's assured performance at centre-back has been the one positive of the Three Lions' insipid run in Germany, but the Crystal Palace defender is unavailable for the last-eight match in Dusseldorf due to suspension.

Guehi picked up his second booking of the tournament when he was yellow carded in just the third third minute against Slovakia for chopping down David Strelec following a terrible pass by Kieran Trippier.

Gareth Southgate has been reluctant to make changes to his starting line ups this summer despite the consistently poor displays his side have produced. Now he has no choice but to mix up his defence against Switzerland, who will provide England their sternest test of the tournament after knocking out holders Italy in the last 16 and going mighty close to beating hosts Germany before that.

But who should he pick at centre-back to give England the best chance of reaching the semi-finals? And should Guehi's absence lead to a change of system? GOAL runs through the options…

Getty Ezri Konsa

Konsa is shaping up as the frontrunner to replace Guehi. He is the only defender to have come off the bench at the tournament, when he got 15 minutes in extra-time against Slovakia as England sought to protect their lead.

His previous two England starts have been at right-back, but most of Konsa's career has been at centre-back, even though half of his appearances for Aston Villa last season were at full-back.

The 26-year-old did a decent enough job at left-back against Slovakia and is a reliable option due to his speed and strength. However, he is conservative with his passing and will not solve England's problems of being ponderous in possession.

AdvertisementGetty Joe Gomez

Liverpool defender Gomez snuck back into the England squad in March after four years away after staging a renaissance for his club, filling in expertly for Andrew Robertson at left-back. But despite his recent experience out wide and England's shortage of options in that position, he has mysteriously not played a minute of football in Germany.

Guehi's suspension opens up a spot for him as the left-sided centre-back and his experience at left-back could give him an edge over Konsa, who has usually operated as a right centre-back.

(C)Getty ImagesLewis Dunk

Brighton captain Dunk is the best ball-playing centre-back left in the England squad and could raise the team's overall level due to his ability to bait the press and play adventurous balls forward. The problem he has is that he has lacked consistency over the last year for his club, while in two of his last three outings for England, he has made mistakes leading to a goal.

Dunk would take risks with the ball that other players are afraid to take and it could pay off. However, the knockout stage is not the time to take such risks.

Getty Kyle Walker

Manchester City defender Walker has been another of England's best performers at the Euros, even if he made some mistakes against Slovakia.

Walker is the most experienced defender in the squad and his speed and strength make him worthy of consideration as a centre-back. He could partner his City team-mate John Stones or form a back three, with either Trent Alexander-Arnold or Trippier, if fit, taking his place on the right of the back line.