BLANKENHAIN: Marc Guehi’s performances were a real positive in England’s underwhelming Euro 2024 group campaign but the 23-year-old is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
The Crystal Palace defender was one of 12 England players who arrived in Germany for their first major tournament and there were concerns about the side’s defence with experienced players missing due to injury.
“I’d say I am content because the job is not finished. It is important we carry on building,” Guehi said.
Guehi – whose full name is Addji Keaninkin Marc-Israel – was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast and moved to London with his family when he was one year old. His father is a minister at a local church where Guehi played the drums on Sundays.
His heroes were Brazil defender Thiago Silva and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba.
“In both their stories growing up and the things they had to endure in their careers as well,” Guehi said. “It’s difficult to make it to the very top and for both of them to do that, for me, is the one thing that stands out.”
He credited England defender Harry Maguire, missing the tournament due to injury, for making him a better player.
“I think me being here, Harry has played a big part in that,” Guehi said.
“His consistent performances in other tournaments, his help with me on the training pitch has been amazing and I cannot speak highly enough of him and John (Stones).”
He also dismissed criticism of under-fire manager Gareth Southgate on Thursday, saying “everyone is behind” the coach.
Southgate, he said, “has been fantastic for England”, adding “everyone is behind him and we have a really close, tight-knit group”.
“If you look at his record, it speaks for itself.”
Named manager initially on an interim basis after England were eliminated by Iceland at the 2016 Euros, Southgate took the Three Lions to the World Cup semi-finals, where they lost in extra time to Croatia.
Under Southgate, England made the final of Euro 2020, losing to Italy on penalties, and reached the quarters of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
The coach has however come under fire after England’s lacklustre performances in Germany, with fans booing the side after Tuesday’s scoreless draw with Slovenia.
Guehi however said: “I don’t think the team is too focused on that. We’re thankful for the fan support.
“It is a calm and focused camp. Everyone is focused on the task at hand.” — Agencies
