"He's handled the occasion so well" - John Stones impressed by reported Arsenal target's performances at Euro 2024
England defender John Stones showered praise on Arsenal target Marc Guehi who has formed a solid partnership with the Manchester City star at Euro 2024. With Harry Maguire out injured, Gareth Southgate has shown his trust in Guehi alongside Stones so far in the Euros.
Guehi has done reasonably well at the heart of the defense for the Three Lions in his two outings in Euro 2024. John Stones has admitted that he is enjoying his partnership with the 23-year-old.
Stones hailed the Arsenal target for thriving under the pressure of being thrown into the starting XI at such a big stage. The Manchester City defender said, as quoted by The Boot Room:
"So good. For him to come in, not have felt the feelings around tournament football before or these kind of games, all kinds of different emotions that come with it that you’ve never experienced before. He’s handled [it] so well, his performances."
Stones added:
“I said to him when we’re in this, or whoever’s playing or whoever I’m playing with, I’m your right arm, you are my left. We do this together. I’ve got your back and he’s bought into that so well. I believe massively in partnerships that you do it all together and I feel that he’s handled the occasion so well and I really enjoy playing with him.”
Guehi came through the youth ranks of Chelsea and showed his immense potential at Swansea City on loan. He was snapped up by Crystal Palace in 2021 in a deal reportedly worth £18 million and has been terrific for the Eagles since.
The highly-regarded defender has made 111 appearances for Crystal Palace so far while being capped 13 times for England. He has been linked with several top clubs of late with Arsenal being one of his admirers.
Arsenal legend tipped for surprise managerial role after stint with France U21s at 2024 Olympics
Former Wales international Robert Earnshaw has backed Thierry Henry for the manager's position at Wales. The Arsenal legend is currently in charge of France U21s and will be managing Les Bleus at the 2024 Olympics next month.
Robert Earnshaw did his coaching badges alongside Henry and believes the Frenchman has what it takes to take the Wales job. He said, as quoted by Four Four Two:
"One name who is left field but I'd throw is Thierry Henry. It's my own personal thought. I spent some time with Thierry on the coaching course a couple of years ago because he was on the Welsh FA course. He knows (technical director) David Adams and the set-up, and he understands Welsh football. The one thing that stood out when I was sat with Thierry was his football brain is brilliant."
Earnshaw added:
"With France U21s and the Olympic team, he understands young players. He would raise the bar and the level. I don't know whether he would want it. I could see someone like Thierry doing it. His football brain is brilliant, he's so sharp, advanced and has got great ideas."
While Henry was a world-class footballer who played for clubs like Monaco, Arsenal, and Barcelona, he is yet to make a name for himself in management.