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Manager Gareth Southgate has the unwavering support of his England squad, defender Marc Guehi has affirmed, as the team prepares for the knockout stages of Euro 2024.
Following a 0-0 draw with Slovenia in their final group game, England was booed off the pitch, with some empty cups thrown at Southgate as he acknowledged the supporters. Despite the reaction, the result secured England’s place as group winners, setting up a last-16 clash with Slovakia on Sunday.
Crystal Palace defender Guehi, who made his senior England debut under Southgate in March 2022, has become the manager’s first-choice center-back alongside John Stones at Euro 2024. “He has been fantastic for England. If you look at his record, it speaks for itself,” said Guehi. “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.”
Southgate acknowledged the unusual atmosphere surrounding the team’s performances in Germany, but Guehi insists the players are unfazed by external criticism. “I don’t think the team is too focused on that. We are thankful for all of the fan support because they have travelled to see us,” he said. “It is a calm and focused camp. Everyone is just focused on the next task at hand.”
Winning their group means England avoids many of the major nations such as Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, and Belgium in the knockout stages. Despite this, Guehi believes there is no easy path to the final in Berlin on July 14. “Everyone has seen in this competition that I don’t think there is a favorable side of the draw,” he stated. “Every opponent is tough to play against.”
Guehi and Stones have forged a solid defensive partnership, with England conceding just one goal in three games. “I think what builds confidence is togetherness and performances,” Guehi noted. “We haven’t lost a game yet. It’s important for us to control what we can control.”
