Crystal Palace defender expected to return to the starting XI against England’s toughest Group K opponents
Marc Guehi has been passed fit for England’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia on Tuesday, easing concerns over the defender’s groin problem.
The Crystal Palace centre-back was withdrawn late in England’s 2-0 win over Andorra on Saturday after reporting discomfort. Head coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Guehi trained fully with the squad on Monday and will be available for selection in Belgrade.
“Everyone is available,” said Tuchel. “We took care of Marc on the day of the game and yesterday, but everyone trained.”
Guehi has established himself as one of Tuchel’s first-choice centre-backs since the German was appointed as head coach. His availability comes as a boost for England, who are set to face their toughest test of the qualifiers against Serbia.
Tuchel said that Guehi’s substitution against Andorra had been precautionary. The Crystal Palace captain was replaced by Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa for the final minutes, but Guehi is expected to return to the starting XI on Tuesday night versus Serbia.
England’s manager said his side would need to “be tough” at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.
“In the circumstances we expect a very emotional stadium, we expect an emotional crowd,” Tuchel said. “We don’t know what the pitch looks like. We’ll make no excuses. And then we come up against a very physical team.
“We have to step up and adapt to the circumstances, adapt to the opponent and then prove the point we are a strong group and we are on the right way.”
