Gareth Southgate faces disciplinary and fitness woes ahead of Euro 2020 quarter-final with Ukraine

Gareth Southgate faces ANOTHER selection dilemma for England’s Euro 2020 quarter-final against Ukraine… with FOUR players at risk of missing the semi-final if they are booked, while Kieran Trippier has a muscular issue

  • England will take on Ukraine in Saturday’s Euro 2020 quarter-final in Rome 
  • Gareth Southgate has four players who are one booking away from a suspension
  • Harry Maguire, Declan Rice, Phil Foden and Kalvin Phillips run the risk of a ban
  • Mason Mount and Jordan Henderson could be recalled to fix this dilemma
  • Kieran Trippier picked up a muscular issue during the 2-0 win over Germany

Gareth Southgate faces a major selection dilemma ahead of Saturday’s crucial European Championships quarter-final against Ukraine amid a host of disciplinary and fitness concerns.

Harry Maguire, Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips and Phil Foden are all one yellow card away from missing a potential semi final through suspension. Existing bookings will be expunged after the quarter finals.

That leaves Southgate contemplating whether to risk players already on bookings in the game against Ukraine.

Gareth Southgate faces a dilemma ahead of England’s Euro 2020 last-eight tie with Ukraine

Harry Maguire, Kalvin Philips and Declan Rice (left to right) are one booking from a suspension

Harry Maguire, Kalvin Philips and Declan Rice (left to right) are one booking from a suspension

Mason Mount and Jordan Henderson are among the players in line to benefit if Southgate decides to tinker with the team and formation that started Tuesday’s unforgettable win over Germany.

Regardless of Southgate’s disciplinary worries, Mount would be pushing hard for an immediate recall into the team following the period of self-isolation that meant he couldn’t start the win over Joachim Low’s side expired.

Likewise, Henderson could also come into the team in place of either Phillips or Rice should Southgate decide not to risk either one picking up a booking.

In addition to the prospect of being banned for the semis – Phillips has also played in every minute of the tournament so far and Southgate may consider resting the Leeds man.

Attacker Phil Foden will also miss a potential semi-final should he be booked against Ukraine

Attacker Phil Foden will also miss a potential semi-final should he be booked against Ukraine

Mason Mount (left) and Jordan Henderson (right) could be recalled on Saturday night

Mason Mount (left) and Jordan Henderson (right) could be recalled on Saturday night

Henderson has made two substitute appearances so far, playing 45 minutes against the Czech Republic and then coming on for the closing stages against Germany.

Southgate maybe less inclined to make changes in defence given England are yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

However, it is understood full-back Kieran Trippier is carrying a slight muscular problem and the clash against Ukraine, particularly given the tight turnaround, may present Southgate with an opportunity to rest the Atletico Madrid star.

Kieran Trippier suffered a slight muscular issue during Tuesday's 2-0 last-16 win over Germany

Kieran Trippier suffered a slight muscular issue during Tuesday’s 2-0 last-16 win over Germany

His decision over Trippier’s inclusion could depend on whether Southgate reverts to a back-four in Rome, a change the England boss is considering, after the team successfully deployed a three-man defence versus the Germans.

Maguire’s booking presents Southgate with a problem and if the England manager doesn’t risk his key central defender then he has a ready-made replacement in Tyrone Mings, who impressed in the opening two games against Croatia and Scotland.

Foden, despite being on a yellow card, will be hoping for a return to the starting XI after missing the previous two games.

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