“Looking like a top player”: Crystal Palace star shines once again for his country in EURO 2024 qualifier
Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi has been excellent this season, and he shone again last night despite England faltering to a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia.
With England qualified as group winners, Gareth Southgate’s side travelled to North Macedonia for what was essentially a dead rubber game, but he still played a strong side who struggled on the night.
However, Guehi again looked good, after delivering an impressive performance against Malta on Friday night, and he could be in serious contention for a place at this summer’s Euros.
England found themselves trailing at half-time through a penalty given away by Rico Lewis, who filled in at left-back on the night. Southgate hinted before the game that Guehi could move over to full-back in the absence of a natural left-back, but Guehi lined up in his usual position alongside Harry Maguire
Guehi remained calm and composed as always on the night, in stark contrast to his partner Maguire, who was lucky not to give a penalty away following a cheap giveaway.
The 24-year-old Crystal Palace favourite completed 86/89 of his passes, a completion rate of 97%, whilst also registering 92 touches of the ball.
He helped drive England forward, with 11 passes into the final third, whilst also making five ball recoveries and winning three duels.
Strong performances are the standard for Guehi nowadays, with the defender showing excellent consistency for club and country.
Speaking after the draw in Skopje, Southgate praised Guehi for his display.
“Marc has been excellent. He has really in every game he has shown great composure,” he stated.
“His defending has been good. He has taken what I have seen for his club into international and we all know that is not straightforward but he is really looking like a top player.”
Guehi is part of a Crystal Palace defence with the joint-most clean sheets in the Premier League, and unlike some of England’s other options, is regularly performing well for both club and country.
The centre-back has to be on the plane this summer, and he will be rightfully aggreived if he is not selected on the back of his excellent England displays.
