Marc Guéhi’s World Cup ended in semi-final heartbreak, but his place at the centre of England’s defence underlined how far the former Crystal Palace captain has travelled.
The 25-year-old partnered John Stones as Thomas Tuchel’s side lost 2-1 to Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Guéhi started alongside Reece James and Djed Spence in a reshaped back four. He helped England keep Argentina quiet for long periods before the defending champions completed a dramatic late comeback.
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring after 55 minutes from Morgan Rogers’ delivery. Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez headed in Lionel Messi’s cross during stoppage time.
Reuters confirmed Guéhi’s place in England’s starting XI, with Tuchel making three changes from the quarter-final victory over Norway.
Guéhi earned Tuchel’s trust at Palace
Guéhi’s selection for a World Cup semi-final was the latest stage of a rise built during four and a half seasons at Selhurst Park.
He joined Palace from Chelsea in 2021 and developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-backs. His reading of danger, composure in possession and one-against-one defending made him an automatic England selection.
Guéhi also became Palace captain and left the club having made 188 appearances.
Read Crystal Palace previously named Guéhi among the club’s greatest England internationals, describing him as one of the country’s leading centre-backs.
His £20million move to Manchester City in January reflected the progress he made in south London. Palace could not offer the same title platform, but they gave him the minutes and responsibility needed to reach that level.
Palace can use Guéhi pathway in recruitment
Losing Guéhi weakened Palace in the short term, especially after his leadership became central to the dressing room.
His development still provides the club with a powerful recruitment message.
Young players can join Palace, establish themselves in the Premier League and earn opportunities with England. Guéhi followed a route also taken by Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, even if their careers developed in different positions.
Read Crystal Palace examined his continued relationship with the club after he returned to visit his former team-mates following the City move.
Guéhi could not prevent Argentina’s late comeback, which sent Lionel Scaloni’s side into the final against Spain. The Associated Press match report detailed the two late goals which ended England’s hopes.
For Palace supporters, the semi-final offered another reminder of the player Guéhi became at Selhurst Park. His shirt has changed, but part of his international rise still belongs to the club which trusted him early.
