Calm and commanding Marc Guehi steps up for England to solve a problem position

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The England manager pulled Guehi towards him and leant into his ear in pride: The performance from his centre back had more than validated Southgate’s faith as England held on to a 1-0 win over Serbia and get their Euro 2024 up and running. There will be concern that England lost their way and showed unsettlingly similar signs of some of their previous disappointments at major tournaments under Southgate, allowing Serbia to slowly creep into the game, but Guehi’s display alongside John Stones in defence was a major positive of the evening. When England enjoyed their better moments in the first half, as Jude Bellingham buzzed and Southgate’s side dominated possession, Guehi played a central role in their control. open image in gallery Guehi marked Dusan Vlahovic and did not put a foot wrong But the least experienced member of the starting England side also benefited from the leadership around him.