England manager Gareth Southgate has received unwavering support from all the players in the squad, as confirmed by defender Marc Guehi, ahead of the upcoming knockout stages of Euro 2024. Despite being booed off the field after a goalless draw against Slovenia in their final group stage match, Southgate has the full backing of his team.
Crystal Palace defender Guehi, who earned his first senior England call-up in March 2022, praised Southgate for his faith in the players and his impressive record with the team. The 23-year-old highlighted the strong bond within the squad and expressed gratitude for the opportunities given to him by the manager.
Amidst the external scrutiny of the team’s performances in Germany, Guehi emphasized that the players are maintaining focus and unity within the camp. Despite the unique challenges posed by the tournament, including the pressure to perform and the high expectations from fans, the team remains composed and committed to their objectives.
Having topped their group, England have a relatively favorable path in the knockout stages, avoiding traditional powerhouses such as Spain, Germany, and France until the final. However, Guehi acknowledged that every opponent in the competition poses a significant challenge, emphasizing the need for a disciplined and focused approach in each match.
Guehi’s partnership with John Stones in defense has been crucial to England’s success so far, with the team conceding only one goal in the group stage. The young defender highlighted the importance of solidarity and consistent performances in building confidence within the squad.
As England prepare to face Slovakia in the last 16, Guehi stressed the significance of maintaining their current mindset and taking each game as it comes. The team’s focus remains unwavering, with a collective determination to control their own destiny and continue their unbeaten run in the tournament.
The match against Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday presents another opportunity for England to showcase their strength and resilience on the field. With kick-off scheduled for 17:00 BST, the team will be looking to build on their solid defensive record and secure a place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
