The omission of Jack Grealish from Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament reportedly came as a shock to players and fans alike. According to sources, one senior member of the team even approached Southgate to understand the reasoning behind Grealish’s exclusion.
Rumors had been circulating that Grealish and Harry Maguire might not make the cut, with Mail Sport predicting Maguire’s absence due to a calf injury. Now, it seems that Grealish’s lackluster season with Premier League winners Manchester City has cost him his place on the team.
The decision to drop the 28-year-old winger has sparked mixed reactions on social media, and according to reports, there was also dismay within the England camp. One player is said to have spoken to Southgate to understand the decision and help explain it to teammates, while others rallied around Grealish.
Jack Grealish was one of the seven players left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad, a move that reportedly surprised some of his teammates.
His omission from the squad reportedly prompted a senior player to question Southgate’s decision.
Southgate decided against including Grealish after a disappointing season with Manchester City.
Grealish is said to have been ‘stunned and upset’ by the decision, but there is no indication that it led to any arguments or confrontations. Knowing his place was at risk, Grealish had cut short his holiday and joined the team at their Darlington training camp early, hoping to boost his chances of making the final roster.
His commitment, along with a productive substitute performance against Bosnia on Monday, raised hopes that he would be included. However, he ultimately missed out, and according to reports, his teammates visited his room to express their support, with some believing he should have been in the squad.
The upset was shared by many fans and commentators on social media, who highlighted Grealish’s unique abilities and his value in certain game states. One user pointed out his ability to finish a game strongly, seeing out the final minutes and keeping possession, while another emphasized his profile as a game-winner rather than just a game-changer.
Grealish came off the bench and provided an assist in England’s 3-0 win over Bosnia on Monday.
The 28-year-old had cut short his holiday in an attempt to secure his place in the final roster.
Many users on social media expressed their disappointment with Southgate’s decision.
Grealish’s exclusion from the squad left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads, with many questioning Southgate’s decision. Despite his recent form, Grealish’s talent and ability to influence crucial games are undeniable.
Along with Grealish and Maguire, James Maddison, Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite, and James Trafford were the other players who missed out on the final cut. Southgate acknowledged the difficulty of these decisions, stating that the axed players’ recent club form had been a deciding factor.
Southgate insisted that recent club form played a significant role in his selection process.
‘All of the players took the news really respectfully,’ Southgate said. ‘Of course, all players believe they should be in. We just feel that other players have had stronger seasons, particularly in the last six months or so.’
He acknowledged the abundance of talent in the attacking areas but emphasized that these were tough calls that the staff had carefully considered. Southgate concluded by expressing his sadness at having to deliver the news of exclusion to the players.