England are at risk of losing key player for first knockout round at Euro 2024

England could lose one of their key players ahead of the knockout stages of Euro 2024.

Gareth Southgate’s men kicked off their quest for Euro 2024 glory with a narrow 1-0 win over Serbia last weekend.

However, their hopes of securing a place in the last 16 at the earliest possible opportunity were denied after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Denmark on Thursday evening.

Heading into Tuesday night’s final Group C match against Slovenia, England must win to secure the top spot.

As the round of 16 approaches, England could be at risk of losing one of their key players for the first knockout match, should they get there.

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher was brought on in the 54th minute against Denmark to replace Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Just seven minutes after coming onto the field, Gallagher was shown a yellow card by referee Arthur Dias for a foul on Andreas Christensen.

As per 90Min, UEFA rules state that players will be handed a one-match ban should they accumulate two yellow cards before the conclusion of the quarter-finals.

Getty

The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Dani Carvajal, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Scott McTominay, Antonio Rudiger and Dominik Szoboszlai are also one booking away from a suspension.

Speaking after England’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Denmark, former Manchester United and Three Lions defender Rio Ferdinand said on BBC: “England have to have more intensity in the press - they are too passive at the moment. They have got in some good positions high up the pitch but have lacked that intensity, and when you are passive you are played through.

“The current balance of the team is not allowing the players to reach the levels that they have done for clubs. Phil Foden is out of position and not playing his best, maybe Jude Bellingham would be better playing at number eight. It is a big concern.”

He added: “At the moment England do not know when to squeeze the pitch, who is going when, the distances between each other. Once you have questions tactically the picture can change in a split second in front of you and you are lost. It is baffling and concerning.”

SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated transfer news channel to send you the latest deals, rumours and more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.