Paul Merson has offered his take on Gareth Southgate’s decision to exclude Jack Grealish from England’s Euro 2024 squad, suggesting it was a move to avoid potential conflict within the team.
Despite a relatively underwhelming season with Manchester City, Grealish was still expected to make the cut for the tournament. However, Southgate opted for the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer, and Anthony Gordon instead, leaving Grealish and James Maddison as notable absentees.
According to Merson, Grealish’s omission may have been a strategic choice by Southgate to maintain harmony in the dressing room. The former Arsenal star suggested that Grealish’s outspoken nature could have led to confrontations with the England boss if he felt he deserved more playing time.
Merson suggested Grealish’s exclusion was to avoid potential conflict within the squad
Speaking on the Football’s Greatest podcast, Merson questioned Southgate’s team selections, particularly the decision to bring on Bowen instead of Palmer or Eze when England were in need of a winning goal.
“What’s Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer thinking? They’ve not had one minute of football after one and a half really poor performances, and that’s why they’re there,” Merson said.
“Jack Grealish, he’s not there because I imagine Jack would be going mad. Now, I can’t imagine Gordon and Palmer saying anything. I just imagine them sitting there thinking, ‘maybe I should be getting on.'”
Merson continued, “I don’t see them saying anything to him [Southgate]. I could see a Jack Grealish going to Gareth and going, ‘Why am I not playing?'”
Grealish’s absence from the squad reportedly surprised some senior England players
Merson also expressed his confusion at Southgate’s choice to bring on Bowen during the match against Denmark, stating that while Bowen is a solid option for maintaining a lead, he isn’t the player you bring on when chasing a win.
“There’s horses for courses. You have got to put Palmer on. He scored 20 goals this season. He can play with that bit of flair,” Merson added.
Merson questioned Southgate’s decision to bring on Jarrod Bowen instead of Palmer or Eze
As England continue their Euro 2024 campaign, Merson’s comments shine a light on the ongoing debates surrounding Southgate’s squad selections and tactical choices.