Half of the English team is not working the way they expected. Just not the half that were expected to have problems. England’s struggle to consolidate, create, score and get the best out of each of their star-studded attacking talents is responsible for the general feeling of dissatisfaction with Gareth Southgate and his team.
Then there is the back half of the team: bereft of the injured Harry Maguire, still without Luke Shaw, without the shield Southgate wants after infamously admitting there was no natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips. But only Spain have a better defensive record, with England conceding a solitary goal. The expected goals against, at 1.1, is much better. Is this a triumph of the improvised? With Kieran Trippier playing out of position at left-back, Marco Guehi promoted to partner John Stones in the middle and Declan Rice forcing his way through a host of teammates at the base of midfield, England still conceded just one goal from 30 yards, courtesy of Dane Morten Hjulmand. So far, their best player in Germany is not Jude Bellingham or Phil Foden, Harry Kane or Bukayo Saka, but a footballer who, a few weeks ago, might have seemed the weakest link among the starting 11: removed from midfield table in the Premier League, unstable in the preparation victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, unprecedented in international tournaments. Instead, although others have drawn criticism, Guehi has received praise for his own efforts.
“The defense is very good at the moment and hopefully we can continue,” Guehi said. A careful nature can be an advantage for a defender and the Crystal Palace centre-back looked attentive. “The work is not finished. It’s important that we keep building and that’s a testament to the whole team.” One interpretation of this defensive record is that England have yet to face elite attacks; Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia were also not prolific among themselves.
But they are encouraged by their solidity, galvanized by the statistics that prove their frugality. “We receive information frequently, especially after games, almost as an incentive to continue,” said Guehi. A different type of motivation emerges during matches; the bark behind him of vocalist Jordan Pickford. “It’s a bit of a shock at first,” the 24-year-old added. “He is constantly making sure you are alert and awake during the game.”
Guehi has the ability to deflect praise to himself and distribute it liberally to colleagues, present and absent. The injury cost Maguire his position at the heart of the defense. “By being here, Harry played an important role in this,” Guehi said. “His help with me at training camp was incredible.”
So he’s been the junior partner in a new duo with the Stones. “Playing with John is a dream,” he said of the Manchester City player. “He’s almost like a big brother, putting his arm around you, looking out for you. I’m leaving him. He’s leading, he’s orchestrating things, and I’m learning every day.”
Then there’s the resident roadrunner, Kyle Walker. Guehi looked beyond the vice-captain’s most obvious attribute. “He’s not just a one-trick pony, he’s not someone who just relies on his pace,” he said. “His reading of the game is fantastic.”
If speed and positional sense are among his strengths, he was less effusive about the impressive newcomer at the back. “My strengths should continue,” he said. He tends to be very aware of his own shortcomings. The best advice he’s received, he revealed, is “not to be too hard on yourself. I’m very, very critical of myself. From a young age I always tried to make sure I was the best I could be.” Always conscious of his players’ character, Southgate was quick to tell Guehi to go easy on himself. “He has said not to blame yourself. That’s a big message for me in my career.”
But this perfectionist attitude may explain Guehi’s reluctance to let himself be carried away by his own form. “I’m fine,” he said. Many others have described him as England’s most outstanding individual to date. “I wouldn’t say I was the best player,” he countered. “I think there were some really good performances.”
The defensive record might suggest so, even if the nature of England’s performances so far lends itself to less generous assessments. But Guehi’s calm assurance may reflect a rare background for a footballer, meaning his father could have two commitments on Sunday. England plays Slovakia, but a church father’s son is a pastor. Guehi isn’t sure he’ll be there. “Usually God comes first. I expected him to be at church, but he might show up, I don’t know,” he said. He may not be able to compete with the almighty, but a host of strikers came second to England’s emerging star Euro 2024.
