Southgate praises England squad - as possible chance opens up for Dunk in quarters

Gareth Southgate has praised his England squad members – as he faces a big decision involving Lewis Dunk.

The Three Lions can prepare for a quarter-final against Switzerland at Euro 2024 after their dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over Slovakia.

But they will go into the game without centre-back Marc Guehi, who must serve a suspension.

Albion skipper Dunk and Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa are contenders to come into the back four.

Southgate has spoken to his players about the importance of the united feel among the 1966 squad as they went all the way to the World Cup.

He said tonight: “In terms of ’66, we just wanted to highlight that tournaments take you in strange places and difficult routes.

“The team wasn’t always flying. The team, I’m sure, would have been criticised at the start, so it was a bit of perspective, really.

“We wanted to highlight the value of the squad. The fact that some of the players you think are going to be in like a Jimmy Greaves then ends up playing a different role and the support of players like Jimmy Armfield.

“It is one of the things we have done just to recognise the value of the group.

“It was back at St George’s Park before we started, but we are always referring to these moments because that’s part of what creates a tournament-winning team.

“We’ve got a long way to go. We’re in the quarter-finals, but we’re going to play against a very, very good team.

“Everybody, I’m sure, will still quite understandably be questioning our performances. I understand that.

“But we’ve got some qualities that have kept us in this and that’s not to be underestimated.

“I’m so proud of how the players have stuck together and the leadership they’ve shown, not only on the pitch but back at the base, and that is hugely important for us.”