Five England players will be walking a disciplinary tightrope in the Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland.
Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions, who pulled off a dramatic comeback to beat Slovakia in extra-time, meet Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals.
Barring a crazy few minutes against Slovakia, in which Jude Bellingham scored a stunning overhead kick and Harry Kane headed home an unlikely winner, England are yet to really get going at the Euros.
The pre-tournament favourites opened their campaign with a nervy victory over Serbia before failing to beat Denmark and Slovenia, though they still managed to top Group C and move into the easier side of the draw.
Switzerland, who knocked out European Champions Italy, represent the toughest opponent England have faced so far, with the winner set to play the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals.
But up to five England players could miss the semi-final clash, providing of course the Three Lions get the job done against Switzerland.
Real Madrid’s Bellingham, Manchester City’s Phil Foden, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher have all received a yellow card in the tournament, meaning they will be suspended for the semi-final if they are booked against the Swiss and England make it that far.
Under UEFA rules, yellow cards are then reset after the quarter-final stage, meaning players who receive a booking in the semi-final will not be suspended for the final.
UEFA’s Article 54 says: ‘Cautions from matches in the final tournament that have not resulted in a suspension expire on completion of the quarter-finals. They are not carried forward to the semi-finals.’
Southgate will make at least one enforced change for England’s quarter-final clash as Marc Guehi picked up his second yellow card of the tournament against Slovakia, leaving the Crystal Palace defender suspended for Saturday’s game.
England are also still waiting to hear back from UEFA regarding an investigation into a gesture Bellingham made after scoring in the last-16 stage.
Bellingham was seen making a crotch-grabbing gesture towards the Slovakian bench after his sensational goal but denied it was aimed at England’s opponents.
‘An inside-joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game,’ Bellingham said. ‘Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.’
A fine is believed to be the most likely outcome of the UEFA investigation, leaving Bellingham free to feature in the Euros quarter-final as he looks to help England end a 58-year wait for a men’s major trophy.