ENGLAND defender Marc Guehi has backed under-fire manager Gareth Southgate and insisted the squad were staying “calm and focused” ahead of their last-sixteen Euro 2024 cash against Slovakia on Sunday.
Southgate has come in for criticism for how a side packed with attacking talent are playing and they were booed after their 0-0 drew against Slovenia this week.
Southgate was jeered when he went over to applaud England supporters as beer cups were also fired on to the pitch.
Crystal Palace centre-back Guehi is one of the few players who has been praised for his performances in Germany. Guehi has played every minute as the Three Lions have at least looked secure at the back, conceding only one goal so far, in the 1-1 draw with Denmark.
“He has been fantastic for England. If you look at his record, it speaks for itself,” Guehi said. ”Everyone is behind the manager and we have a really close tight-knit group just focused on the next game. Everyone appreciates him, especially me.
“He gave me my debut for England and he’s showed so much confidence in me. I am really grateful and I’m sure the rest of the team is as well.”
Guehi was asked about the reaction of some England fans.
He said: “I don’t think the team is too focused on that. We’re thankful for the fan support.
“It is a calm and focused camp. Everyone is focused on the task at hand.”
England are on the perceived easier side of the draw, with France, Belgium, Spain, Germany and Portugal on the other side.
“Everyone has seen in this competition that I don’t think there is a favourable side of the draw. Every opponent is tough to play against,” Guehi said.
“We just need to remain calm. We put pressure on ourselves, but it’s a very calm and focused environment. We just need to continue focusing on one thing at a time.”
