Guehi says, We’re all supporting Southgate
Following their 0-0 draw against Slovenia in their final group game, the England team faced a disappointing reaction from the crowd. The match ended with boos from the spectators, and some fans even threw empty cups at manager Gareth Southgate as he applauded the supporters. Despite the negative reaction, the draw was sufficient for England to finish as the group winners, securing their spot in the knockout stages. They are now set to face Slovakia in the last 16 on Sunday.
Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace defender, has been a significant presence in the England squad under Southgate’s management. Southgate gave Guehi his first senior England call-up in March 2022, and since then, Guehi has made 14 appearances for the national team. His performances have been impressive enough to earn him a spot as Southgate’s first-choice center-back alongside John Stones in Euro 2024.
Guehi, who is just 23 years old, spoke highly of Southgate’s impact on the team and his personal career. “He has been fantastic for England. If you look at his record, it speaks for itself,” Guehi stated. He emphasized the strong support Southgate has from the entire squad, highlighting the unity and focus within the team. “Everyone is behind the manager and we have a really close tight-knit group just focused on the next game. Everyone appreciates him, especially me.”
Guehi expressed his gratitude for the opportunities Southgate has given him, acknowledging the confidence the manager has shown in his abilities. “He gave me my debut for England and he’s shown so much confidence in me. I am really grateful and I’m sure the rest of the team is as well.” His comments reflect a deep respect and appreciation for Southgate’s leadership and the positive atmosphere he has fostered within the squad.
The England team, under Southgate’s guidance, has shown resilience and determination, qualities that will be crucial as they advance to the knockout stages of Euro 2024. The support and unity within the team, as highlighted by Guehi’s remarks, suggest a strong foundation for their upcoming challenges. Southgate’s ability to inspire and maintain the confidence of his players, even in the face of criticism, underscores his effectiveness as a manager. As England prepares for their match against Slovakia, the backing of the players and their collective focus will be vital for their success in the tournament.
Southgate has acknowledged that the reaction to the team’s performances in Germany is creating an “unusual environment” for the players. However, Marc Guehi insists that the team is not paying attention to any external noise.
“I don’t think the team is too focused on that,” Guehi said. “We are thankful for all of the fan support because they have traveled to see us. It is a calm and focused camp. Everyone is just focused on the next task at hand.”
By winning their group, England has a favorable path through the knockout stages, avoiding many of the other major nations. Teams like Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, and Belgium are all on the other side of the draw, meaning England cannot face any of them before the final. Despite this, Guehi believes there is no easy route to the final in Berlin on July 14.
“Everyone has seen in this competition that there is no favorable side of the draw,” he said. “Every opponent is tough to play against. We just need to remain calm. We put pressure on ourselves, but it’s a very calm and focused environment. We just need to continue focusing on one thing at a time.”
Guehi is forming a solid partnership at the back with Manchester City defender John Stones, and England has conceded only one goal in their three games so far.
“I think what builds confidence is togetherness and performances,” Guehi said. “We haven’t lost a game yet. It’s important for us to control what we can control.”
England is set to play Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, with the match kicking off at 17:00 BST.