Dad flying in for game in the lap of the gods
ENGLAND defender Marc Guehi still does not know if his proud dad will be in Gelsenkirchen to watch the biggest match of his son’s career. John Guehi is a church minister in Lewisham and would normally be taking a service on Sunday. But his son will be lining up for England against Slovakia in the last 16 of Euro 2024. When asked if dad would be in the stands, Guehi smiled and said: “I actually don’t know. Usually, God comes first. I’d expect him to be at church but he could turn up. I’ll have to message him later to ask.” Guehi is a certain starter against Slovakia, having become a firm favourite of Gareth Southgate’s.
After the England manager was targeted by cup-throwing fans after the draw with Slovenia on Tuesday, Guehi was quick to rally round his manager, saying: “Everyone is appreciative of him but especially me, giving me my debut for England and showing so much confidence in me.
“I am really grateful and I am sure the rest of the team is. He has been fantastic.”
Probably the only way Southgate could be higher in Guehi’s estimation is if he had picked his team-mate Tyrick Mitchell.
The Crystal Palace left-back has played twice for Southgate’s England but that was two years ago.
Mitchell had an outstanding season for his club, starting in all but one of the 38 Premier League matches.
Guehi said: “I would have loved for Tyrick to be here. He’s had an amazing season, very consistent in his performances and it’s a shame, but I’m sure that if he carries on, as we’ve seen with other England players, he’ll definitely get his big chance.”
After starring in all three of England’s group games, Guehi was in sparkling form on media duties in Blankenhain, where Anthony Gordon’s bike crash was the talk of the camp.
Guehi smiled and said: “The boys went out on a bike ride… I actually wasn’t there. I heard about it and I was talking to him but not paying attention to him.
“Then he turned around and I saw that massive gash on his chin.
“But he’s OK – he just fell off his bike.
“It’s been a bit of a joke in camp, but he’s doing well.”