Four England Players At Risk Of Semi-final Suspension: Southgate’s Options Against Ukraine

England will fly out to Rome on Friday as they prepare to face Ukraine in the Euro 2020 quarter-final on Saturday night.

At this pivotal stage in the tournament, Gareth Southgate knows that being able to count on his full-strength side is vital.

However, he knows that he must also navigate the fact that four key players are one booking away from being suspended from a potential semi-final.

At Euro 2020, a player is suspended if they pick up two yellow cards in two different matches, which means that Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips and Harry Maguire, all of whom were booked in the 2-0 victory over Germany, would be suspended should England defeat Ukraine.

Also, Phil Foden is at risk of suspension, after picking up a yellow card in the opening day 1-0 win over Croatia.

As a result, Gareth Southgate could be tempted to look to players who have been on the bench in previous fixtures to play a greater role at the Stadio Olimpico.

Should he do so, the most likely change would be to bring in Jordan Henderson in central midfield for Declan Rice.

The West Ham midfielder struggled towards the end of the victory of Germany with cramp, and could be rested for the Liverpool captain, who played such an important role in the England side which reached the World Cup semi-final in 2018.

Phil Foden has not started in either of England’s last two matches, and looks set to be once again on the substitute’s bench against Ukraine, given the excellent form of Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish, as well as the return of Mason Mount following his period of isolation.

Kalvin Phillips has been one of the star performers of England’s campaign so far, and Harry Maguire has returned to the side in excellent form following his ankle injury, and Southgate will look to count on both to secure a positive result for England on Friday evening.