Marc Guehi Withdraws from England Squad for Albania Match

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has withdrawn from the England national team squad ahead of their final 2026 World Cup qualifier against Albania on Sunday, returning to his club to continue rehabilitation from a foot injury.

The 25-year-old centre-back joined England's training camp at Tottenham Hotspur's facility earlier this week despite sustaining a heavy bone bruise on his foot during Crystal Palace's 3-1 Conference League victory over AZ Alkmaar last week. The injury, which left Guehi unable to walk and requiring crutches initially, forced him to miss Palace's 0-0 Premier League draw with Brighton on Sunday and England's 2-0 win over Serbia at Wembley on Thursday. Although medical staff monitored his progress daily, Guehi was unable to participate in training and will not travel to Tirana for the match.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed the decision on Friday, stating that the team would proceed with a squad of 24 players and no replacement called up. "With Marc it is very painful but there is no structural damage so it is all about the pain," Tuchel said before the Serbia game. He added that Guehi's commitment to the group was evident, describing him as "one of...