Harry Maguire’s starting role in the England team is under threat from Marc Guehi as Crystal Palace defender impresses manager Gareth Southgate

Marc Guehi is emerging as a real rival to Harry Maguire in the race for a starting role at next summer’s European Championships.

Crystal Palace defender Guehi was praised by head coach Gareth Southgate for his performance in Saturday’s 1-1 draw in Ukraine and was given a second straight start in Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Scotland.

The centre-back was substituted at half-time in the victory at Hampden Park, with England leading 2-0.

Southgate did not specify the injury after the final whistle, but Mail Sport understands Guehi is suffering from a groin problem, a condition he is believed to have been carrying for a number of weeks.

Southgate said he hoped the damage was not too serious as Eagles medics continued to assess the injury ahead of Saturday’s match against Aston Villa.

Guehi is a clear doubt for the trip to Villa Park, but the prospects for his international future look much more positive.

With Maguire’s international future increasingly in doubt due to his lack of playing time at Manchester United, it has not been lost on Southgate and his staff that they need a plan B at centre-back.

Fitness permitting, John Stones will start Euro 2024 as first-choice centre-back. If Maguire can play regularly between now and the summer, it is likely he will start.

But Southgate has been impressed with Guehi and plans to play alongside Stones against the Eagles defender next month – when England face Australia and Italy – while making contingency plans if Maguire is not selected.

Meanwhile, Southgate has no immediate plans to personally monitor Jordan Henderson’s progress in Saudi Arabia ahead of next month’s internationals.

Henderson played in Saturday’s draw against Ukraine but was rested for Tuesday’s euphoric win in Glasgow.

His international position has been called into question in recent weeks following his move to Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq.

As it stands, there are no plans for Southgate to travel to Saudi Arabia to see Henderson in person.

Instead, Southgate will rely on match and training data, while also having access to multi-angle viewings of his players’ matches.

It remains to be seen whether Southgate decides to make the trip to the Gulf, but the hectic Premier League and European fixtures will take up most of his timetable.

However, it is likely that Southgate or his number 2 Steve Holland will make the shorter trip to Germany and Spain to see Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham live respectively.