- Marc Guehi was handed his second consecutive start against Scotland
- Harry Maguire’s international future is in doubt as the pressure increases
- Gareth Southgate is aware of the need for a plan B at centre-back
Marc Guehi is emerging as a genuine rival to Harry Maguire in the race for a starting role at next summer’s European Championships.
Crystal Palace defender Guehi was praised by head coach Gareth Southgate for his display in Saturday’s 1-1 draw in Ukraine and was handed a second consecutive start in the 3-1 win over Scotland on Tuesday.
The centre-back was substituted at half-time of the win at Hampden Park, with England 2-0 up.
Southgate did not specify the injury after the final whistle, but Mail Sport understands Guehi is suffering with a groin problem, an ailment he is believed to have carried for a number of weeks.
Southgate said he hoped the damage was not too serious with Eagles medics continuing to assess the injury ahead of Saturday’s clash against Aston Villa.
Guehi is an obvious doubt for the trip to Villa Park – but the outlook on his international future is looking far more positive.
With Maguire’s international future under increasing doubt due to his lack of game time at Manchester United, it is not lost on Southgate and his staff that they need to have a plan B at centre-back.
Fitness permitting, John Stones will start Euro 2024 as first choice centre-back, if Maguire can play regularly between now and the summer then it is likely that he will also start.
But Southgate has been impressed with Guehi and is planning to play the Eagles defender next to Stones in next month’s international break – when England face Australia and Italy – as he makes contingency plans should Maguire not be selected.
Meanwhile, Southgate has no immediate plans to make a personal check on Jordan Henderson’s progress in Saudi Arabia ahead of next month’s internationals.
Henderson played in Saturday’s draw against Ukraine but was rested for Tuesday’s euphoric victory in Glasgow.
His international place has been called into question in recent weeks following his move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq.
As it stands, there are no plans in place for Southgate to make the trip to Saudi to watch Henderson in person.
Instead, Southgate will rely on match and training data, while he can also has access to multi-angle screenings of all his players’ matches.
It remains to be seen whether Southgate decides to make the trip to the Gulf – but the hectic Premier League and European schedule will take up most of his timetable.
It is likely however, that Southgate or his No 2 Steve Holland will make the shorter trip to Germany and Spain to watch Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, respectively, live.
