Guehi Not Starting in England’s World Cup Opener? He Says It’s Fine, Actually.

Marc Guehi didn’t start England’s first World Cup game. And if you thought that bothered him, you’d be wrong.

The Crystal Palace center-back was a surprise omission from Thomas Tuchel’s starting eleven in the opening match against Croatia, a 4-2 win for England. Guehi got back on the pitch for the second game though, a scoreless draw against Boston, and he’s not sweating the rotation.

“No it wasn’t difficult,” Guehi said about being benched. “To be honest it doesn’t really matter who plays, as long as the team does well. We’re all here for one goal and we all know what that is. So as long as the team does well, that is most important.”

He added: “I’m glad to have been given the opportunity last game to help my team and I’ll take whatever role I’m given.”

First World Cup, No Pressure

This summer’s tournament is the 25-year-old’s first World Cup. Not a bad time to make your debut on the biggest stage. But Guehi isn’t exactly starry-eyed about it.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a dream come true because I never expected to be in this position,” he said. “It’s a lot of responsibility but for those who have this dream that are looking at me, it’s important that they know it’s more than possible.”

That kind of grounded perspective is rare for a player at his first major international tournament. Most guys are busy trying not to puke before kickoff. Guehi sounds like he’s just clocking in.

Panama Game Is a Must-Win

England faces Panama in their final group stage game, and they need a win to guarantee advancement to the knockout rounds. They’ll be without fellow defender Reece James, who’s out for that one.

Guehi isn’t buying the idea that Panama has nothing left to play for. “It doesn’t really matter whether Panama are still in the competition or not,” he said. “I think their goal is always the same – it’s to try and do as well as possible and make their country proud.”

He also sees it as a chance for England to sharpen up. “For us, it’s to try and improve on the things from the last game. It will be difficult because again it will be a similar game. But if we can do that I think it will be a real positive.”

England needs a win. Panama needs a miracle. And Guehi just needs to keep his head down and do his job, whatever that job happens to be on any given day.