England duo John Stones and Kieran Trippier provide an update on their respective fitness issues ahead of Saturday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final clash with Switzerland.
England duo John Stones and Kieran Trippier have insisted they will be ready to play in Saturday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland.
The Three Lions are looking forward to a quarter-final appearance after fighting back from a goal down to beat Slovakia in Sunday’s last-16 clash.
Jude Bellingham produced a sensational overhead kick to send the game to extra time, before captain Harry Kane headed home the winning goal.
Stones played the full duration of Sunday’s contest, before he was seen leaving the Veltins Arena with strapping on his right knee.
As for Trippier, he has been struggling with a calf issue throughout the tournament, but it is a knee issue that appears to be the main concern ahead of the quarter-final.
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Stones, Trippier provide fitness updates
The Newcastle United full-back received a blow to his knee before he was replaced by Cole Palmer in the 66th minute of the last-16 clash with Slovakia.
Despite the obvious concern surrounding the defensive duo, Stones and Trippier are both confident they will be ready to feature in the last-eight tie in Dusseldorf.
Stones told reporters he would be “fine” when asked about his availability for the tricky meeting with Switzerland.
Meanwhile, Trippier revealed his withdrawal was a managerial decision rather than an enforced one despite being left with a “sore” knee.
“I think it was a really bad tackle, to be honest,” Trippier said. “The knee is just a little bit sore. Gareth made a decision to maybe tweak things, and it worked.”
“I think I’ll be fine. It’s just about recovering. We have five or six days until the next game. This took a lot out of us mentally, going into extra time. But it shows the character of this team.”
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Konsa ready to replace Guehi
Stones is set to continue in central defence, while Trippier is likely to keep his place at left-back amid doubts over Luke Shaw‘s fitness.
Although Kyle Walker could retain his spot on the right side of defence, Gareth Southgate will have to make at least one change to the England backline for the weekend.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi will serve a one-match suspension after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament in Sunday’s dramatic win.
Konsa, who came on to play as a left-back against Slovakia, has claimed that he is ready to replace Guehi to make his first start at a major international tournament.
The Aston Villa man said: “I’m always ready. When the gaffer wants to play me, wherever he wants to play, I will step in. I’m always ready.”
Konsa has made four international appearances since making his England debut in a friendly against Brazil earlier this year.