Marc Guéhi has solidified his position as a key player for both Crystal Palace and the England national team, overcoming early career uncertainties to earn the trust of England's manager, Thomas Tuchel. The 25-year-old defender's journey is a testament to his resilience, leadership, and consistent performances on the pitch.
Guéhi's early career saw him rise through the youth ranks at Chelsea. Despite showing promise, first-team opportunities were limited, and he spent time on loan at Swansea City. While the loan spells provided valuable experience, his long-term future at Chelsea remained uncertain. In the summer of 2021, Guéhi made a permanent move to Crystal Palace for a reported fee of £18 million. This move proved to be a turning point in his career, as he quickly established himself as a vital member of the Eagles' defense.
At Crystal Palace, Guéhi has flourished, showcasing his qualities as a modern center-back. He is known for his assertiveness, vocal presence, and willingness to drive out from the back to distribute possession. His partnership with Joachim Andersen has been particularly effective, forming a formidable defensive wall for Palace. In the 2024/25 season, Guéhi captained the side regularly, leading them to their first-ever major trophy, the FA Cup, with a 1-0 victory over Manchester City. He also lifted his second trophy as captain in the 2025 FA Community Shield against Liverpool.
Guéhi's performances have not gone unnoticed on the international stage. He received his first call-up to the England senior team in March 2022 and has since become a regular member of the squad. He was part of the England squad that finished as runners-up at UEFA Euro 2024, playing every minute of the tournament and keeping clean sheets against Serbia and Slovenia in the group stage. On September 9, 2025, Guéhi scored his first England goal in a 5-0 win over Serbia in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Despite his success, Guéhi faced a moment of uncertainty during the recent summer transfer window. He was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, even undergoing a medical with the club. However, the transfer ultimately fell through as Crystal Palace were unable to find a suitable replacement. This situation could have been unsettling for Guéhi, but he has handled it with remarkable professionalism.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has praised Guéhi's leadership and attitude, noting that he has put his personal interests aside and remained focused on his performances. Tuchel's faith in Guéhi was evident in his decision to include him in the England squad for the upcoming matches against Wales and Latvia. In fact, Tuchel retained every fit player from the previous squad, demonstrating his confidence in the group and the team spirit they have cultivated.
Guéhi's journey to becoming a trusted member of the England squad has been marked by his consistent performances, leadership qualities, and unwavering commitment. He has overcome challenges and uncertainties to establish himself as a key player for both club and country, earning the respect of his managers and teammates. As he continues to develop and mature, Guéhi is poised to play an even greater role for England in the years to come.
