England manager Southgate facing a central-defensive headache ahead of Euro 2024

England manager Gareth Southgate is facing a central-defensive headache ahead of Euro 2024.

Harry Maguire wasn’t included in the final squad due to injury and John Stones had to be substituted at half time in the friendly against Iceland.

There was a further issue at centre-back, with Lewis Dunk missing the game due to a knock.

Ezri Konsa replaced Stones at the break and Joe Gomez is another option at centre-back, but Southgate has a cause for concern ahead of England’s opening game of the tournament against Serbia on June 16.

Manchester City defender Stones struggled with an injury towards the end of last season and was seen with medical staff in the tunnel at Wembley on Friday night.

Stones had started the game alongside Marc Guehi, who was making just his eleventh appearance for England.

Guehi required treatment at one stage in the second half but the Crystal Palace defender was able to continue.

Liverpool youngster Jarell Quansah was left out of the final squad for the tournament but was still named on the bench against Iceland.

After taking on Serbia, England will subsequently face Denmark and Slovenia in their remaining group stage fixtures.

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