Jack Grealish’s omission from Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for Euro 2024 was reportedly so shocking that a senior member of the squad approached the England manager to understand his reasoning.
There were rumors that Grealish would miss the cut along with Harry Maguire, who Mail Sport also predicted would miss out due to a calf injury.
Southgate has now confirmed that the Manchester City star will not travel to Germany as he appears to be paying the price for a disappointing campaign with the Premier League winners.
However, the decision to release the 28-year-old winger has caused mixed reactions among fans on social media. And according The TelegraphThere was even some consternation among the England camp.
The outlet reports that a player spoke to Southgate immediately afterward to try to understand the call and help explain it to his teammates. Others are said to have sympathized with the 28-year-old.
Jack Grealish (centre) was one of seven players left without a place in the England squad for Euro 2024.
His exclusion from the final England squad reportedly led to one senior player questioning Gareth Southgate over his decision.
The English coach decided not to take Germany to the extreme after a disappointing season at Manchester City
They go on to claim that Grealish was “stunned and upset”, although there is no indication that the decision sparked an argument or confrontation.
Aware his place was at risk, Grealish had cut short his holiday to improve his chances of reaching Germany. Man City and Man United players were not due to report until earlier this week following their participation in the FA Cup final on May 25.
Grealish, however, decided to join the group at their Darlington training ground as soon as possible.
His show of commitment, as well as his productive substitute performance against Bosnia on Monday, would have raised hopes that he would be included in the final squad.
The Telegraph claims that “surprised players visited Grealish’s room after hearing he was going home and some told him he should have been in the team.”
They claim his departure was handled “professionally” and wished the rest of the team and staff the best for the tournament.
The surprise was shared among many fans and commentators on social networks. Football writer and content creator Umir said: “The omission of Grealish, because of his profile and what he offers in certain stages of the knockout game, is crazy to me.”
“Know that he hasn’t been in the best shape in the league, but his ability to bring the ball up and win fouls as an outlet, he is also the best retention in high-position v-blocks.”
Another upset fan, Rebekka, wrote: ‘Jack Grealish cut from England?! That’s crazy.’
One X user highlighted Grealish’s ability to finish a game in the final minutes, saying he is one of the best at keeping the ball and watching the game.
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 his holiday short to increase his chances of making the final 26-man squad.
They wrote: “If England are 1-0 up in the quarter/semi with 25 minutes remaining, Southgate is not the type of manager to try and get a second.” He prefers to keep the ball and watch the game without taking risks. I don’t think there are many better at that in the England team than Jack Grealish.
Football and sports writer Amos Murphy said that despite his form, Grealish deserved to go to the Euros because of his profile as a footballer.
He wrote: “Jack Grealish didn’t deserve to go to Germany based on his form this season, but his profile is unlike anyone else in the team. As dazzling as Eze, Gordon and Bowen are, they are game-changers, not winners. Slight lead at 20 for playing in a KO game, what you want is Grealish.
Along with Grealish and Maguire, James Maddison, Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Trafford were the other names who did not make the final cut.
Speaking about his decision to leave out the players, Southgate insisted that the club’s recent form of the sacked players had proven to be a deciding factor.
“All the players took the news with great respect,” Southgate said. “All the players believe they should be in.
“We just feel like other players have had stronger seasons, particularly in the last six months.
Southgate insisted the club’s recent form of the sacked players had proven to be a deciding factor.
“We have options in the attacking areas of the field. These have been difficult decisions, they are calls that we have gone over and over again with the staff.
‘We stand by our decisions, but realize we could have taken a different path. It’s sad to have to give you that news.’