England star needed 'half-time injection' to play crucial role in Slovakia comeback

Marc Guehi needed a painkilling injection in order to soldier on during England's dramatic 2-1 win against Slovakia on Sunday.

The Three Lions were on the verge of being eliminated at the last 16 of Euro 2024 until Jude Bellingham scored an overhead kick deep into added time to equalise. In extra-time, Harry Kane headed England in front and they were able to see out the victory from there.

Bellingham's goal was assisted by Guehi, who won a flick-on from a long Kyle Walker throw. But that moment may not have happened if the centre-back chose not to play through the pain barrier.

The Mail report that Guehi sustained a shoulder injury during the first half when challenging Slovakia's David Strelec and received significant treatment on the pitch. When he returned to the dressing room at half-time, he was given a painkilling injection and ended up playing all 120 minutes of the tie.

Guehi's will sit out Saturday's quarter-final against Switzerland having picked up a suspension for receiving a second booking this tournament, but would have been an injury doubt regardless. England are hopeful he will be able to make a recovery in time for a potential semi-final next week.

England have three centre-backs in contention to replace Guehi in the starting lineup, with Ezri Konsa, Joe Gomez and Lewis Dunk all vying for a start.

There was also concern over Guehi's centre-back partner John Stones after he was seen sporting strapping on his knee after the Slovakia win, but he assured reporters this was only precautionary. Kieran Trippier, who has started all four of England's Euro 2024 games at left-back, was withdrawn in the second half, but also claimed to be fine post-match.

Meanwhile, Luke Shaw is facing a race against time to participate at all this tournament. The Manchester United star is the only natural left-back in Gareth Southgate's squad and hasn't played since February due to a muscle injury, but has at least returned to full training in the last week.

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