Soccer-England's Guehi staying humble after impressive start

Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - England Press Conference - Blankenhain, Germany - June 27, 2024 England's Marc Guehi during a press conference REUTERS/John Sibley

By Lori Ewing

BLANKENHAIN, Germany (Reuters) - Marc Guehi's performances were a real positive in England's underwhelming Euro 2024 group campaign but the 23-year-old is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

The Crystal Palace defender was one of 12 England players who arrived in Germany for their first major tournament and there were concerns about the side's defence with experienced players missing due to injury.

"I'd say I am content because the job is not finished," Guehi told reporters on Thursday. "It is important we carry on building."

England's defence conceded only one goal in the group stage.

"It is a collective being able to defend well and if we are to go far in the tournament the defence needs to be strong," Guehi said.

Guehi shrugged off suggestions he has been the team's top player.

"It is nice to hear. I wouldn't say I have been the best player. I think there have been quite a few really good performances," he said.

Guehi has captained England teams at youth level, was Palace skipper for a season and his maturity has earned him the nickname "uncle".

"I think my strengths are to be continued," he said. "I'm continually developing everything, just getting better in every single department of my game. Whether that be communication, distribution or defending."

Guehi -- whose full name is Addji Keaninkin Marc-Israel -- was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast and moved to London with his family when he was one year old. His father is a minister at a local church where Guehi played the drums on Sundays.

His heroes were Brazil defender Thiago Silva and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba.

"In both their stories growing up and the things they had to endure in their careers as well," Guehi said. "It's difficult to make it to the very top and for both of them to do that, for me, is the one thing that stands out."

He credited England defender Harry Maguire, missing the tournament due to injury, for making him a better player.

"I think me being here, Harry has played a big part in that," Guehi said. "His consistent performances in other tournaments, his help with me on the training pitch has been amazing and I cannot speak highly enough of him and John (Stones)."

He also praised England right back 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 a another tough match, tough opponent to deal with."

(Reporting by Lori Ewing, editing by Ed Osmond)