Guehi likens Tuchel to Guardiola and backs Stones' England recall despite City absence

Marc Guehi has compared England manager Thomas Tuchel to Pep Guardiola, saying the two coaches share a near-identical intensity and approach — and that Tuchel’s first address to the squad has already galvanised the group ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Tuchel made headlines when he likened the pursuit of a second World Cup star — England won the first in 1966 — to climbing Everest in his opening speech to the squad. For Guehi, who has spent the past six months working under Guardiola at Manchester City, the parallels were immediate.

“They’re very similar as managers, even in their messages, the things they want from the team,” Guehi said. “You can see it in the meetings, the body language, how excited they get when they’re talking about certain aspects of the game. They live it and have a lot of passion.”

Guehi added that Tuchel’s track record as a winner gave the speech extra weight. “Everyone took inspiration and energy from that speech because it’s nice to have someone who’s been there and done it, coming with confidence that we can do it as well. When you have someone that really spurs you on, you want to do your best.”

The centre-back’s loan spell at City ended with FA Cup and Carabao Cup winners’ medals, though Guardiola’s subsequent departure left Guehi wishing their time together had been longer.

“I would have loved to have another few more years with him,” he said. “With him I think you never stop learning, never stop growing as a player. He keeps you on your toes every single day. He’s relentless. He says live your profession and live it to the fullest.”

Guehi was also quick to defend the inclusion of John Stones in Tuchel’s first England squad, despite the experienced defender having had limited game time at City this season.

“There’s no question about his commitment to the squad or to England,” Guehi said, pointing to Stones’ influence both at club and international level as justification for the selection.