Guehi: early adversity is good; we hope the hand of God is with us this time

After England advanced to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, center-back Guehi was interviewed by ITV Sport.

So, from Atlanta to Kansas, then on to Mexico City, flying thousands of miles in four days. Are you ready?

We will be ready. Absolutely ready.

How would you summarize yesterday's match (2-1 against DR Congo)?

It was a good test. It’s beneficial to experience adversity so early in the tournament. Everyone showed strong resilience.

With 15 minutes left in the game, the Congolese goalkeeper made several heroic saves, leaving millions of fans anxious. What were you thinking on the field at that moment?

Thinking about keeping going. Keep going because the truth is we played really well. The truth is that we created a lot of chances, and it was no longer a question of whether we would score, but when. So I think everyone's belief was very important.

Is that one of this team's core strengths?

Yes, it has to be. In every game, it is not over until the final whistle, so I think that is key.

How do you rate Kane stepping up?

Special, amazing. I do not even know what words to use. Credit to him for leading by example and making the contribution he should. And credit to everyone else for supporting him and fighting alongside him. Not to mention Anthony Gordon, who came off the bench and also had a huge impact. Overall, it feels good.

Is Kane performing at the highest level you have ever known him to reach?

It is hard to say because he has always performed at an extremely high level.

But scoring 72 goals over such a long season seems to indicate...

Indeed, the stats show that, but simply looking at him as a player, observing him and being around him, he has always been at this level. So for me, nothing has really changed.

So what about the leadership we are seeing? Do you think his leadership has improved, perhaps as a result of winning accolades at Bayern and the sense of responsibility he clearly feels?

Yes, he definitely feels a great sense of responsibility. I also think he knows he can rely on his teammates, allowing him to go out and perform at his best.

Mexico has hosted three FIFA World Cups. Mexico has played 10 games at the Estadio Azteca. Do you know how many they have lost?

You tell me.

None. So history has to be made. I hear it is an amazing place, an amazing stadium. How does the team feel about walking into that stadium? Perhaps you had anticipated this fixture on the schedule. It was always destined to happen, and now that it is here, how does everyone feel?

Honestly, everyone is excited. Hearing those stats makes you feel excited and energized.

You can make history.

That is not necessarily what we are thinking about. I think the key is that we can win the game. We can win the game and advance to the next round. All the accolades, stats, and achievements can come later, but the priority is to try to win the game.

When you see a stadium like that, and when you're inside it, you definitely feel something. Whether on club or England duty, where have you played with the most intimidating home atmosphere?

That's a tough one. Honestly, I think there are several.

I'm sure.

It's difficult to choose. I think there are a few, such as cup finals, or matches in which teams feel they really have to demonstrate their strength or play very aggressively under significant pressure. So, I think what you just described is exactly what we're going to face.

Are you ready for this? This is an experienced team. What concerns you more: the atmosphere or the altitude?

Both are equally challenging in themselves, and both must be overcome to advance to the next round.

I heard the Ecuador team was kept up all night by hundreds of fans outside the car park. If I understand correctly, the game may start around the time you would normally be going to bed. This will be an unprecedented experience. When you think about that, does it factor into your considerations?

It only makes you more excited. I feel that challenges in life are meant to be attacked and fought. When you face a challenge, going through it and walking through fire can be a very enjoyable process. So, it will be interesting.

Do you know when England last played at the Estadio Azteca?

I have no idea.

June 22, 1986. It was a special day in English football history.

I believe I remember.

Does that match ring a bell?

I believe that match was dubbed "The Hand of God."

Even now, 40 years later, many players from that game still haven't fully come to terms with the disappointment. I think if you can go there and win in that stadium, you'd be doing them a big favor. Listen, I know the opponent isn't Argentina, but you understand what I mean; it's about turning that page.

I hope the Hand of God is on our side this time, and I hope we can go out and focus on the game. The game is the most important thing, and keeping that at the core is key. If we can do that, I think it will allow us to continue our journey and see what happens next.

Can this team reach a higher level? Or is that necessary? Do you think the current foundation you have as a team is sufficient?

Yes, I have always believed it depends on the challenge before us. But no matter what the challenge is, it is important that we rise to it and try to overcome it.

Having conceded 3 goals and gone 4 games unbeaten, how do you feel about the defense's performance? Are bigger tests still to come?

I know that as the tournament progresses, we will face tougher opponents and the level will be higher. So, it is important that we improve, learn from previous games, and try to solidify everything we have.

What do you feel you are building on now?

Trust, confidence, adaptability, and strength. We are building many different things that we believe will help us go further in this tournament.

Are you battle-hardened or exhausted? The turnaround between these games is too tight for you.

No, it’s good. It feels good. You want those, whatever you call them, battle scars. It’s always good to experience these adversities early in the tournament, so if something similar happens again later, as you said, we have a foundation to build on.

This team knows how to endure pain and overcome it. That has been proven time and again. Now we are simply looking forward to the tournament perhaps bringing you something extra. Maybe we will face opponents who are no longer just defending, but now also have pressure of their own.

Anything worth having is tough; it is hard. Honestly, I think everyone is looking forward to it. Everyone really cannot wait to play this game.

Did that rendition of "Wonderwall" you sang earlier, with everyone lining up and singing together, help make the team feel more united and energized? I know the captain really wanted you to enjoy that moment in Atlanta before heading to Mexico City.

Yes, honestly, it was a humbling experience. Standing in front of the England fans after winning the knockout stage and listening to them sing "Wonderwall" really gave me goosebumps. It was a very special moment for the team and for England. Hopefully, we can carry that unity into the next game.

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