A major defensive shuffle awaits England, as they lace up for tonight’s UEFA Euro quarter-final against Switzerland. Veteran left-back Luke Shaw might return to Gareth Southgate’s roster after a long injury break. Meanwhile, injury woes haunt the full feature of John Stones and Kieran Trippier. Besides England’s dependable center-back Marc Guehi will miss the Switzerland tie because he is forced to serve a yellow card suspension in the quarter-final game. Hang on to find who replaces Guehi at England’s defensive line.

Marc Guehi earned a one-game suspension from the UEFA after picking his second yellow card of the tournament during the Slovakia tie. As per the latest update from the English camp, Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa will replace Guehi at the center of the English defense. Konsa, notably plays as a natural center half. But he debuted for England in the right-back position. It was this versatility from the Villa star that earned him a spot on Southgate’s roster. Konsa’s experience in the defensive third will easily make him a good replacement for Guehi.

While Konsa is widely pipped to be Guehi’s replacement, there is also a chance for England to resort to a three-defender formation. In fact, the Three Lions defender John Stones even made an emphatic call for England to deploy three players in the back line. If that is the case, Southgate won’t have to rely on Konsa to defend, and the latter would even have a chance to play as a center half. If England goes for a 3-5-2 formation, these are the most likely candidates to form their defensive core.

Who will form England’s three-man defense in Marc Guehi’s absence?

Manchester City ace Kyle Walker would probably retain his position in England’s right flank in a three-man formation. Even though he took a knock to his knee in the last game, John Stones is adamant that he will play against Switzerland. Hence, Stones will probably be one of the center-backs in the English back-line. Southgate can still deploy Ezri Konsa as a central defender in Marc Guehi’s absence and go on with a three-man defense. Else, he would summon the long-lost Luke Shaw to serve on England’s left defensive flank.

Luke Shaw has not played a game for club and country since February due to a hamstring problem. Now, most reports and rumors suggest that the Manchester United ace will be back in action against Switzerland. No matter what changes Southgate is bringing to his defense, England will be facing their toughest rivals yet in Switzerland. Many even view Switzerland as a dark horse that can oust the Three Lions. In a few more hours, we will see who returns as a victor.