Marc Guehi is uncertain if his father, John, a church minister in Lewisham, will be present to witness the most significant game of his son’s career so far. He normally conducts Sunday service, but his son is set to play for England against Slovakia in Euro 2024’s last-16 clash on the same day.

When quizzed about his father’s attendance in Gelsenkirchen, Marc admitted: “I actually don’t know. Usually, God comes first. I’d expect him to be at church but he could turn up, I don’t know. I’ll have to message him later to ask.”

Guehi is very likely to start against Slovakia, having earned Gareth Southgate’s trust in Germany. Following an incident where the England manager was pelted with cups after the Slovenia match, Guehi was quick to defend him: “Everyone is appreciative of him but especially me, giving me my debut for England and showing so much confidence in me.

“I am really grateful and I am sure the rest of the team is. He has been fantastic.”

The only thing that might elevate Southgate further in Guehi’s eyes is if he had selected Tyrick Mitchell, his team-mate from Crystal Palace.

Mitchell, who has represented England twice under Southgate two years ago, had an exceptional season, featuring in all but one of the 38 Premier League games.

Guehi remarked: “I would have loved for Tyrick to be here. He’s had an amazing season, very consistent in his performances and obviously it’s a shame but I’m sure that if he carries on, as we’ve seen with other England players, he’ll definitely get his big chance.”

The England squad’s spirits remain high despite the absence of Mitchell, joking at Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon who turned up to training on Thursday with a big cut on his chin.

With a grin, Guehi shared: “The boys went out on a bike ride…I actually wasn’t there. I heard about it and I was actually talking to him but not paying attention to him. Then he turned around and I saw that massive gash on his chin. But he’s ok, he’s ok – he just fell off his bike.”

He added: “It’s been a bit of a joke in camp but he’s doing well.”