Soccer Football - FA Cup Quarter Final - Crystal Palace v Everton - Selhurst Park, London, Britain - March 20, 2022 Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Tony Obrien
Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi stands a ‘real good chance’ of being named in England’s World Cup squad, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Lowdown: Guehi superb for Palace
The 22-year-old has been an excellent performer for the Eagles over an extended period now, producing consistently strong performances despite his age.
Guehi has started this season in similarly impressive form, averaging 3.8 clearances per game for Palace in the Premier League and once again being called up to England’s squad for their recent UEFA Nations League clashes with Italy and Germany.
There is competition at centre-back for Gareth Southgate ahead of naming his World Cup squad in November but the hope is that the Eagles youngster gets the nod.
The Latest: England call-up likely
Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke said that Guehi has ‘a real good chance’ of being on the plane to Qatar, should he keep impressing for the Eagles.
“The key for him is to keep performing well for Crystal Palace and that should hopefully get him in the England squad and then the rest is up to him to try and impress Gareth Southgate.
“But I think he’s got a real good chance of going to the World Cup, whatever. Even if he stays at Crystal Palace, I expect him to become a regular in that squad over the years.”
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The Verdict: Should be pushing to start
Frankly, there should be no doubt about Guehi making the England squad for the World Cup, considering he is a regular for his club and is playing at a high-level week in, week out, once being described as ‘massive’ by goalkeeper Josef Bursik.
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The Palace man is arguably worthy of a start in Qatar, certainly compared to the out-of-form Harry Maguire, but Southgate’s loyalty to the latter could put paid to Guehi’s chances.
Whatever happens, it could now come as a shock if he didn’t retain his place in the squad, in what he will hope is a coming-of-age international tournament.
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