Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi delivered a composed performance for England during the September international break. The 25-year-old scored his first England goal in the 5-0 win over Serbia. His display came barely a week after his proposed move to Liverpool collapsed at the transfer deadline.
Guehi’s performance on the field showed his mental strength as he rose above the off-field distractions. England head coach Thomas Tuchel was full of praise for the defender. “He was the best team-mate possible and a fantastic performance,” Tuchel said, acknowledging the quality of his display despite the turmoil. “They put their personal interests aside.”
England’s Perfect Start in World Cup Qualification
With the win, England’s defense remained impenetrable. The team kept Serbia to zero shots on target, with Guehi playing a key role in organizing the backline. Tuchel was delighted with the team’s overall efforts, stating: “We had an excellent week from start to finish. We just proved what I saw every day in this camp and that makes me very happy.”
Guehi’s composure and skill were key to England’s dominant performance. The victory gave them an eight-point cushion in Group K, now eight points clear of third-placed Serbia. Tuchel’s men have played one match more than their rivals, making the win even more significant in the context of their World Cup qualification journey.
“We didn’t allow chances,” Tuchel remarked. “You have to put a lot of work in to do that. A lot of intensity needed in the duels; a lot of invisible work that you get no praise for.” He emphasized the collective effort of the squad, with Guehi’s leadership being a standout feature.
Tuchel Sets High Bar for England Moving Forward
The September international break marked Tuchel’s third training camp with the England squad, and he felt that the recent performance set the standard for the future. Reflecting on the team’s growth, Tuchel said, “We’ve only had three weeks of training together. That’s normally half a pre-season. We started fresh after the first two camps, did our learnings, and gave our players clarity in the structure we’re playing. The credit goes to them. They did amazing. That’s the bar.”
England now move forward with renewed confidence as they continue their World Cup qualification campaign. The team is gearing up for a friendly against Wales on October 9, followed by another crucial qualification match against Latvia on October 14.
With Guehi’s strong performances and Tuchel’s leadership, the Three Lions are well on track to secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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