England manager Thomas Tuchel has opened up about his private conversation with Marc Guehi following the collapse of the defender’s deadline day move to Liverpool.
Crystal Palace captain Guehi was strongly linked with a £35 million switch to Anfield on Monday, but the transfer broke down after Palace failed to secure a replacement.
Despite the disappointment, Guehi quickly turned his focus to international duty, joining up with the England squad this week.
Tuchel has been full of praise for the 24-year-old’s professionalism and leadership.
“We had a chat with him and he looks absolutely fine,” Tuchel said.
“He looks very impressive on the field. He’s been outstanding for Palace, driving their success as captain and leader. His performances have been impressive at the end of last season, the start of this one, and now in camp with us. He has handled the situation with respect, grace and a brilliant attitude.”
Guehi is now in line to start for England in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra.
England narrowly beat Andorra 1–0 in June and came under criticism for their sluggish performance. Tuchel has urged his side to raise their intensity this time around.
“We always have to balance our expectations because Andorra is a very well-drilled team,” Tuchel explained.
“They’ve been playing the same system under the same coach for years. It can feel like chewing gum to break down a block like this. But we have to play with more energy and enthusiasm, and I’m confident we will.”
England head into the fixture under pressure to deliver a more dominant display, with Guehi expected to play a central role in the defensive lineup.
