Marc Guehi has emerged as one of England's leaders and is sending a clear message to his team-mates about taking responsibility ahead of the World Cup. The Crystal Palace defender was a revelation at Euro 2024 in Germany, where he became one of the tournament's standout players despite battling a knee injury. Now, he believes England can go all the way under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
Guehi's Rise to Prominence
Guehi's journey to becoming a key figure in the England squad has been remarkable. He admitted he did not even expect to play in the Euros due to a knee injury, yet he ended up being one of the team's best performers. Reflecting on that experience, he said: "It was definitely enjoyable to be on that ride. It obviously didn't end the way we wanted it to, but to be a part of that journey was something special. I'm grateful but I look back on those moments and remember that I didn't even plan to be there in the first place because I was coming off the back of a knee injury."
Guehi's performance in Germany taught him valuable lessons about pressure and enjoyment. He explained: "I went there to enjoy it, I enjoyed it and didn't put any pressure on myself and thankfully it's something I can look back on and take a lot of lessons from. I think nerves are a normal part of football but fear… there's no time to have fear on the football pitch. Fear definitely holds you back in so many different ways."
World Cup Ambitions
As England prepare for the World Cup in the United States, Guehi is optimistic about their chances under Thomas Tuchel. He said: "We've got fantastic players, really good team spirit within the squad with so many different elements as well as so many new faces. It's a well balanced team as well so hopefully we can do something special."
When asked if England can win the tournament, Guehi responded: "Only God knows. Honestly. But I know we can control what we can control and that's approaching each day working hard, making sure we're ready for the competition." He also highlighted the impact of the new manager: "The new manager and his experience that he's had at various clubs definitely helps as well. Also, again, let's see what happens. It can make a difference."
Responsibility and Belief
Guehi stressed that belief must come from within the squad. He said: "But the belief has to come from us first and foremost. Anyone can come in and try to give you a belief. But the players have to have that belief on the pitch. We're the ones who are responsible, we're the ones playing so it's a collective effort. As long as we have that belief, good things can happen. But we'll see."
Captaincy and Team Spirit
Guehi has also come a long way under Tuchel, even captaining England in Harry Kane's absence during a warm-up match against Japan. He said: "When any new manager comes, he wants to see every player play and wants his own eyes on them and there's never any guarantees. The first time I didn't start, it wasn't a shock to me - nothing surprises me anymore - because I take it and see it as normal."
Regarding the captaincy, Guehi added: "It was such a surprise to me. It's not something I even dreamed of. Just to be playing for England is a blessing and I'm grateful for it. It's a really big thing to wear your armband for your country. I don't mean to diminish it at all. But my focus is on helping the team, even if I'm not playing then I will still try to help the team achieve what we want to achieve which is the most important thing."
England's 60-year wait for a World Cup could end this summer, and Guehi's leadership and experience will be crucial. The defender's journey from injury to becoming a mainstay for his country is a testament to his character and determination.
