Marc Guehi withdraws from England squad ahead of World Cup qualifier
Marc Guehi has withdrawn from England’s squad ahead of their final World Cup qualifier against Albania, ending hopes that he might recover in time to feature in Sunday evening’s match, reports BritPanorama.
The Crystal Palace defender had linked up with the national team at their training base at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but did not play in Thursday’s 2–0 win over Serbia due to a persistent foot problem.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel described the injury as “very painful” but noted that scans showed no structural damage. His initial hope was that Guehi could make rapid progress and be available for the trip to Tirana. That prospect has now faded, with the 24-year-old returning to Palace for treatment and rehabilitation. England will continue with a 24-player squad.
Guehi has emerged as a central figure under Tuchel, who underscored this week how important the defender is, both on and off the pitch. “Everybody is in training in the afternoon except for Marc Guehi,” Tuchel stated prior to the Serbia match.
Tuchel had previously remained optimistic about Guehi’s situation, saying, “With Marc it is very painful but there is no structural damage so it is all about the pain. There is the possibility that from one day to the other there is significant improvement.” However, with Guehi unable to participate in training on Friday or Saturday, it was clear that he would not travel with the team for the upcoming clash.
Tuchel praised Guehi’s leadership qualities, calling him “one of the leaders” and the “glue between many players,” adding that the defender had been doing everything possible to be fit for selection. His absence will certainly be a blow to a back line that has been one of England’s strengths throughout this qualifying campaign.
Following the victory over Serbia, Tuchel commended his squad for their performance, noting the complexities of the match. “It was a difficult match,” he remarked. “They knew everything about us, and we knew nothing about them. They have individual quality, they came with new energy, and they made it a final for them.”
As England prepare to face Albania, Tuchel’s squad will seek to build on their recent success, while reflecting on the adjustments required following Guehi’s departure. In football, the path to success is often paved with unexpected hurdles — a reminder that even the strongest teams must adapt to the fragility of their lineup.
