At 21:00 UTC on June 27, England will face Panama in their final match of the FIFA World Cup group stage. On the eve of the match, England defender Marc Guehi attended a press conference.
Mark, if you don't mind, I'd like to ask you a question. You lost your place in the first game but were reinstated in the starting lineup for the second. Was that difficult to deal with? How important was it for you to return to the starting lineup?
It was not difficult. As I said before, honestly, it does not matter who plays. As long as the team performs well, we are all here for the same goal, and we all know what that goal is. So, as long as the team performs well, that is what matters most. I am very happy to have had the opportunity in the last game to help the team, and whatever role the coach gives me, I will fully embrace it.
Hi Mark, facing Panama presents a unique challenge because they have already been eliminated and have nothing left to lose. How do you mentally prepare to face an opponent with that mindset?
Yes, I think we have to focus on ourselves. Honestly, whether Panama is still in the competition or not doesn't really matter. I think their goal is always the same: to perform well and make their country proud. For us, it's about improving on what we didn't do well in the last game. It will be difficult because it's another competitive match, but if we can make those improvements, I think we'll be moving in a very positive direction.
Hi Mark, there has been a lot of criticism of the pitch conditions. The stadium hosted another match just a day earlier. Is this something you can easily adapt to, or do you think it will complicate the game?
I think it's the same for every team and every player, so there's nothing to complain about. The pitches we've played on so far have been good. From our perspective, it's not an issue—as long as everyone is playing on the same pitch, that's what matters most.
Hi Mark, I'm a journalist who traveled all the way from Kenya, and I have a story similar to yours. This is my first FIFA World Cup, and it's also your first FIFA World Cup, except you're in the spotlight and I'm not. Looking at your journey, you started playing at Cray Wanderers, worked your way up, came to England from Côte d'Ivoire at a young age, and have now made your debut on football's biggest stage. Have your expectations of playing at the World Cup been fulfilled? How did you feel in that moment? And do you have a message for young people growing up and watching your story, hoping to reach this greatest stage of football one day?
Yes, we're all here now, not just me. I wouldn't say it's a dream come true because, honestly, I never expected to be in this position. Every day feels like a dream, even more real than a dream. Being in this position is a huge responsibility. I feel a heavy responsibility on my shoulders, not only for myself and my family, but also for all those people around the world who might share this dream and want to achieve it, just as I have been able to—to play in the FIFA World Cup. For those watching me now, I think it's important to let them know that it is very possible. If I can stand here, then they have an even greater chance of coming here, doing more, and going further than I have.
Hi Mark, as someone who recently joined Man City, have you spoken to Elliot Anderson and offered him any guidance or advice regarding his future at Man City?
To be honest, I didn't even know about the transfer before—I only found out today. I genuinely think Elliot is an excellent person and an excellent player. Whoever signs him will certainly be very grateful.
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