Three Crystal Palace players have been named in the England national team squad for the first time in the Premier League era.
The inclusion of Marc Guehi, Tyrick Mitchell and Conor Gallagher in Gareth Southgate’s first squad of 2022 is a great barometer of the success Patrick Vieira’s side have had this season.
Key to that success has been defensive stalwart Guehi, as the 22-year-old captained his side in their FA Cup quarter-final win against Everton and even managed to grab the opening goal.
Mike Grafton, of Palace fan group Holmesdale Fanatics, told SWL: “It was great to see Guehi, a south London lad, captaining Palace and representing us on the national stage.
“Fully deserved, along with Mitchell and Gallagher after a top season.”
Guehi is already captain of the England Under-21s, so his promotion into a leadership role at club level should come as no surprise.
Mitchell and Gallagher have also earned their call ups as along with Guehi, the three have made the most appearances for the Eagles this season.
Gallagher’s forays forward and excellent goal record – he has eight Premier League goals this season and only Wilfried Zaha has more for the Eagles – have rightly caught the eye.
But Mitchell’s work often goes unnoticed and that shouldn’t be the case, as the 22-year-old has made the most tackles, blocks and interceptions for Palace this season.
It was 1990 the last time Crystal Palace had three players in the England squad – and on that occasion four Eagles represented the Three Lions.
It’s been an excellent season for Palace so far, with the side making it to the last four of the FA Cup since 2016 and sitting 12th in the league – just two points off only their second top half finish in the Premier League era.
Guehi, Mitchell and Gallagher know they might not make it onto the pitch in this international break, but are doing their club proud by representing them in the England squad.
All three can be assured of a hero’s welcome when they return to Selhurst Park in April.
Grafton added: “The Palace support always gets behind hard-working young talent at the heart of the club.”
Featured image credit: Rockybiggs via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA 4.0 license
