MARC Guehi was pleased with how his first-ever start at a major tournament went as he was showered with praise following his performance in England’s 1-0 win over Serbia last weekend.
Guehi, 23, delivered a near-faultless display alongside centre-back partner John Stones as Jude Bellingham’s thirteenth-minute header was enough for all three points in the Group C opener.
Guehi was up against the might of former Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic but didn’t give the pair an inch as Serbia had just one shot on target.
“It went well, it’s always very tough in the first game of any tournament,” Guehi said. “Both teams are always at it and want to get their first three points.
“We did really well in defending long balls and defending our box. They are a good side and it was a tough test, but I’m really proud of the boys.
“When you’ve got Vlahovic and Mitrovic up front and a team full of six-foot giants, it is always going to be physical.
“They can play as well, so they are always going to cause threats, but we dealt with that well.”
Guehi added: “I’ve always said it helps so much to have so many experienced players around me. [Kieran] Trippier has got four or five tournaments under his belt, Stones the same, [Kyle] Walker the same, [Jordan] Pickford the same.
“Coming into a back-line with so much experience, and the players in front of me having so much experience, helps a lot for me.
“I have settled in well. I don’t really like talking too much about myself, it’s about the team, but everyone here makes everyone feel welcome.
“It’s a good spirit in the camp, and I’m glad to be here.
“You’re playing against good players, and a tough system to play against as well, to get pressure on,” he said. “You’re always worrying about that ball in behind and the physical threat.
“These games you just have to make sure you are as solid as possible. You are not always going to play in the way you want to play, but it’s important to adapt and I think we adapted well.”
Gareth Southgate’s side play their second game on Thursday (June 20) when they take on Denmark, who drew 1-1 against Slovenia in their opener.
Guehi said: “We can always improve, and we will definitely look to improve. We will look at areas we can get better, but it’s a good start.
“On to the next one.”
