CRYSTAL PALACE team-mates past and present have backed the "incredible" Marc Guehi to step up and solve England's centre-back crisis as the Three Lions launch their quest for European glory this weekend.
Gareth Southgate's side meet Serbia in Gelsenkirchen in their Euro 2024 opener on Sunday, but with Harry Maguire injured, will do so without one half of the defensive pairing that has formed the bedrock of their past three major tournament campaigns.
Maguire, though often criticised over his sketchy club form, has been a hugely reliable figure in an England shirt and a Southgate favourite. However, the 31-year-old was cut from the squad, having failed to recover from a calf injury in time and leaves big boots to fill.
Guehi only returned from his own injury absence just in time to finish the season with Palace, but now looks the front-runner to make his first major tournament appearance alongside John Stones, having started the warm-up friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland last week.
This story is from the June 14, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
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This story is from the June 14, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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