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One Crystal Palace star has come in for special praise after his performances at international level. The international window is now coming to an end for most, with club football returning this weekend, and England’s games are already wrapped up.

The Three Lions have made easy work of both Greece and Republic of Ireland during this window to finish top of their Nations League group and win promotion to League A. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi was key to those wins, now very much a nailed on starter for England after making his stand during Euro 2024.

Guehi will be hoping to keep his place under new boss Thomas Tuchel when the former Chelsea boss picks his first England squad in March, but departing interim boss Lee Carsley has certainly left a strong reference. “I made Marc [England] captain when I was in the Under-21s. He’s a player who has shown leadership qualities throughout his career so far,” Carsley told the FA website.

“I think he’s had a really good camp. He’s playing really well at Palace in the games that I have seen and he’s moving in the right direction in terms of his quality. When he plays for England, he probably goes up another level as well. I still think there is a lot more to come from Marc. Physically, he’s fast and he’s aggressive. On the ball, he is excellent as well so he just needs to keep improving. There’s good competition for places in that centre-back position but Marc is definitely worthy of his position.”

Guehi an inspirational figure

Carsley also praised Guehi for the influence he has had one some of England’s younger players, as well as the players making their first Three Lions appearances. "The players who made their debuts are Premier League players. The fact that Marc is so calm next to them is a help,” he added.

“His maturity [is evident] not only on the pitch but off the pitch. The fact that Marc is so calm and composed next to them [the debutants] is brilliant.”