"England's only positive", "Should be very proud of himself" - Fans praise 23-year-old star for his performance in 1-1 draw at Euro 2024 clash
Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi once again stood out for England as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Denmark in their Euro 2024 Group C encounter on Thursday, June 20. A long-range Morten Hjulmand strike in the 34nd minute canceled out Harry Kane's 18th minute goal as the Three Lions struggled to assert their dominance in the game.
Gareth Southgate named an unchanged XI from England’s win over Serbia on Sunday. While Phil Foden had a much-improved outing than last time, rattling the post in the 56th minute, many of the Three Lions stars were unable to influence proceedings.
Jude Bellingham did not win any of his duels or complete a dribble, while Harry Kane was largely deprived of chances in a disjointed team performance.
However, Guehi was once again rock-solid at the back, showing maturity beyond his years in partnership with John Stones to keep the Danish threat at bay. The 23-year-old center-back had 90.4% passing accuracy, won all his tackles, made three clearances, two interceptions, three recoveries, and blocked one shot (stats via TNT Sports).
Guehi's performance did not go unnoticed on social media, with fans praising the Crystal Palace man for shining bright on a dull night for his side.
“England’s only positive. Class in both games so far. Marc Guehi,” a post read.
“Marc Guéhi should be very proud of himself. He’s been incredible in both matches,” one fan wrote.
“Guehi only one that wants to play for England,” another wrote.
“Shoutout Guehi for being that guy,” a user commented.
“Marc Guehi has shut me up. Didn’t think he was a starter but tbf probably the only one to take anything out the 2 games,” another wrote in the comments.
“give marc guehi his flowers btw,” a user wrote.
"We don't have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips" - Gareth Southgate on England's midfield dilemma at Euro 2024
England manager Gareth Southgate has defended Trent Alexander-Arnold’s selection in midfield at the ongoing Euro 2024, saying that his side don’t have a “natural replacement” for Kalvin Phillips.
The Three Lions’ lineup has raised many question marks, with Liverpool right-back Alexander-Arnold partnering Declan Rice at the base of midfield. This has pushed Jude Bellingham further up the pitch, in the #10 slot behind Harry Kane, while forcing Phil Foden to play on the left wing.
Defending his decision to play Alexander-Arnold in midfield, Southgate said (via The Guardian):
“Look he’s had some moments where he’s delivered what we thought he would. We know it is an experiment, and we know we don’t have a natural replacement for a Kalvin Phillips. We’re trying some different things and at the moment we’re not flowing as we would like.”
The Three Lions are currently on top of Group C with four points from two games. They will next be in action against Slovenia on Tuesday, June 25.