‘Great test’ – Crystal Palace defender earns Gareth Southgate’s praise after England draw

England manager Gareth Southgate highlighted Marc Guehi’s composure after the Crystal Palace defender started Saturday’s 1-1 Euro 2024 qualifying draw with Ukraine.

The 23-year-old was making his fifth Three Lions senior appearance in Wroclaw, Poland.

Versatile Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko opened the scoring for Ukraine in the 26th minute, but Kyle Walker equalised before half-time to salvage a point for England.

Southgate’s side tops Group C by six points.

The England boss made 114 appearances for the Eagles as a player.

“That’s a really great test for a young centre-back in one of his first qualifying games for us”, said the former Palace defender Southgate.

“I thought he came through it really well. Good composure – he never looked rushed and was positionally good. So I’m very pleased with what he did.”