Euro 2024
There Is No Favorable Side Of Euro 2024 Draw – Says Marc Guehi
England defender, Marc Guéhi, has insisted “there is no favorable side of the draw” after England avoided France, Spain, Germany, and Portugal in their potential route to the Euro 2024 final.
Gareth Southgate’s team will take on Slovakia in Sunday’s round-of-16 match in Gelsenkirchen after securing the top spot in Group C, despite delivering three lackluster performances so far.
Among the teams remaining in the competition, Slovakia (No. 48) has the second-lowest FIFA ranking, with only Georgia (No. 74) below them.
England is now ensured to avoid facing two in-form teams, Spain and Germany, or perennial contenders like France until the final match in Berlin on July 14.
Asked for his views on England’s draw, Guéhi told a news conference: “About the draw, I think everyone has seen in this competition that I don’t think there is a favorable side of the draw.”
“Every team, every opponent that you come up against is really tough to play against. But I think we just need to remain calm. That’s the environment we set ourselves. We put pressure on ourselves but it is a calm and focused environment and we just need to focus on one thing at a time.”
“We haven’t done any team analysis on them [Slovakia] but we all watch the games and we know they are a really good side. They came third in the group and qualified. They have got some really good players in their side [Stanislav] Lobotka being one, the obvious one from Napoli but a lot of good players.”
“It is going to be another tough challenge to deal with. We just have to be ready for those challenges and match whatever intensity they bring. What builds confidence is togetherness, performances, and the fact we haven’t lost a game yet which I think is important.”
“All the other things we can’t control. I think it is just important that we just control what we can control that’s remaining calm, focused, and dealing with whatever obstacles are in front of us.”
Guéhi, who has been widely regarded as England’s standout player at Euro 2024, came to Southgate’s defense amid recent criticism of the team’s performances. Following Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia, some fans booed and threw beer cups in his direction.
Since assuming his role eight years ago, Southgate has led England to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup, the final of Euro 2020, and the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup. His future is expected to be determined after this summer’s finals.
England Manager, Gareth Southgate
“He’s been fantastic,” Guéhi, who has now amassed 13 caps since his debut against Switzerland in March 2022, said.
“I think if you look at his record, it speaks for itself. Everyone is behind the manager, that’s for sure. We’ve got a close, tight-knit group. We’re just focused on the next game and I think everyone is just really appreciative of the manager, especially me.”
“Him giving me my debut for England, showing so much confidence in me, I’m grateful and I’m sure the rest of the team is as well.”
He also praised England right-back Kyle Walker.
England Phil Foden And Kyle Walker
“An unbelievable player, his tenacity, leadership on the pitch, he’s a top, top professional,” Guehi said.
“(Walker’s pace) helps a lot in any situation. But it’s not just that. His reading of the game is fantastic. He’s not just a one-trick pony, he’s not someone who’s just relying on his pace, but his intelligence of the game.”
England play Slovakia in the last-16 on Sunday.
“We all watched their games and know they are a very good side,” Guehi said. “A lot of good players. It will be another tough match, a tough opponent to deal with.”
