ENGLAND boss Thomas Tuchel praised Marc Guehi for putting “personal interests” aside after the Crystal Palace captain scored his first International goal in the Three Lions’ 5-0 thrashing of Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday night.
Guehi, 25, scored the fourth goal in the rout which puts England on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup next year.
There were also first England goals for Arsenal’s Nani Madueke and Aston Villa’s Esra Konsa after skipper Harry Kane had given the visitors a 33rd-minute lead.
Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford added the fifth from the penalty spot in the last minute after Ollie Watkins had been fouled by Strahinja Erakovic.
Guehi’s proposed £35million move to Liverpool was blocked by the Eagles on transfer deadline day and the defender was reportedly unhappy with Palace.
But he showed no signs of that to help England make it two wins from two in the first International break of the season after their 2-0 victory over Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday.
“It’s the example of how the boys were at this camp,” Tuchel said when asked about Guehi.
“They put their personal interests to one side and he was the best team-mate possible and had a fantastic performance. He was very strong for Crystal Palace and showed that today on the pitch.”
England have won their five games in Group K and have yet to concede a goal. Tuchel’s side are seven points clear of Albania in second. Their next qualifier is away to Latvia in October.
It was Guehi’s 25th cap.
“It’s been great,” Guehi said. “It’s always easy coming here, such a good group of players, good group of staff. We are all working towards one goal.
“I’m just over the moon [to score his first goal], it’s a fantastic feeling. You work really hard growing up, so to score a goal for your country is the best feeling.”
Tuchel revealed he spoke to Guehi during the camp.
“Of course we had a chat with him,” Tuchel said. “He looks absolutely fine and impressive on the field. He has had a good couple of weeks behind him on the performance side.
“He has continued like that in camp and he handles it [the transfer situation] with respect and with a brilliant attitude.”
