close
close

England stars ‘shocked by Jack Grealish omission from Euro 2024 as senior player approaches Southgate to make decision’

England stars ‘shocked by Jack Grealish omission from Euro 2024 as senior player approaches Southgate to make decision’

England stars left ‘shocked’ by Jack Grealish’s omission from Euro 2024.

Grealish, 28, was one of seven players omitted by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate earlier today.

Jack Grealish left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squadCredit: Getty
Gareth Southgate explained his decisions earlier todayCredit: Getty

The Manchester City star joined James Maddison, Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah, James Trafford, Harry Maguire and Jarrad Branthwaite in being left out of the provisional 33-man squad.

According to the Telegraph, Southgate’s decision to drop Grealish has been met with disbelief from members of the England camp.

They claim a senior player even contacted the Three Lions boss over the decision.

And their report adds that it was Grealish’s omission that caused the most surprise among the England stars.

Leaving Grealish out, Southgate said earlier today: “All the players have made the decisions with respect and all the players think they should be there, that’s why they are all the best players with this condition of spirit.

“We have some players who have performed extremely well this season and other players who have had stronger seasons.

“In attacking positions we are fortunate to have a lot of options and Madders and Jack offer us something different.

“This was a difficult decision, but we stand by our decisions but recognize that we could have taken a different path. It was sad to have to break this news to them.”

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR BOOKMAKER UKS

Grealish represented England at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

He has 36 caps, most recently as a substitute on Monday against Bosnia.

Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire excluded from England squad for Euro 2024 as Gareth Southgate’s 26-man shortlist revealed

What Southgate said about fired England stars

WHAT Gareth Southgate said about his axed England stars after confirming his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.

Harry Maguire

“The decision on Harry (Maguire) depends entirely on his physical condition and his recovery from his injury. There is no other reason because he is one of our strongest centre-backs.

“Harry made some progress, but it was complicated and we wouldn’t have had him in the group stage. There were too many obstacles to overcome without a clear idea of ​​where we could end up.

“Knowing we don’t have a clean bill of health in the rest of the backline, we need players fit and ready to go from the start.

“It was a really difficult decision. You know how I feel about Harry, what he has done for England and for me as a manager.”

Jack Grealish and James Maddison

“Madders (Maddison) and Jack (Grealish) would have provided us with something different as well and that was a difficult decision.

“These are calls that we have made over and over again as a group of employees to try to be fair and try to use the right rationale.

“We stand by our decisions but recognize we could have taken a different route. The boys are great characters, fabulous teammates and great boys to work with.

“It’s sad to have to tell them this news.”

Jarrad Branthwaite

“It’s a bit early for Jarrad (Branthwaite). He’s had a fabulous season, it was good to put him on the pitch the other night.

“But of course, in an ideal world you would like that left-handed balance. For him to be in front of the others, I don’t think that would have been the right decision at that point.”

Jarell Quansah

“Jarell Quansah has stayed with us. He hasn’t had the experience of an England international at Wembley. It will be great for him to be us for this game.

“I hope we don’t need to call anyone else.”

The attacking midfielder made a half-hour appearance from the bench in the friendly at St James’ Park, assisting Trent Alexander-Arnold’s goal.

Grealish was said to be “stunned and upset” by his removal.

He was reportedly visited by teammates following the news, before a senior dressing room figure spoke to Southgate.

It is also claimed that, although there was no argument or heated argument, the senior player wanted an explanation he could tell the rest of the team.

Grealish only started ten times in the Premier League last season, making a further ten appearances from the bench.

He scored three times and provided just one assist as City won another Premier League crown.

His successful appearance against Bosnia had many in the England camp thinking he would survive elimination.

Liverpool ace Quansah will remain with the team as a reserve player.

Explaining the situation, Southgate said: “Jarell Quansah has stayed with us.

“I think he hasn’t had the experience of an England international at Wembley.

“So I think it would be great for him to be with us for the game.”

It’s a bold changing of the guard since Southgate… he’s never been afraid to be ruthless

GARETH SOUTHGATE has made a habit of fielding callous calls during his eight years as England manager, writes Dave Kidd.

And his decision to fire Jack Grealish, as well as James Maddison, is further proof that the Three Lions chief is not afraid to make big decisions with big-name players.

Harry Maguire is also among seven players left out of the squad that travels to Germany for the Euros, although the decision to omit the Manchester United centre-back is based on his inability to recover from injury.

Southgate chooses, more than ever, form.

Attacking midfielders such as Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon have been rewarded with call-ups for their excellent form in the Premier League, while Marcus Rashford, Maddison and Grealish are all rewarded.

While the England boss is often seen as an overly cautious guy, he made some major decisions in getting rid of Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Chris Smalling early in his reign.

Southgate also dumped Raheem Sterling last year after the Chelsea man was a regular starter for most of his reign.

And Jordan Henderson was left out of the 33-man preliminary squad after being a mainstay for Southgate in his previous three tournaments.

Grealish has been a cause celebre for England fans – who have often accused Southgate of having an agenda against him.

But he has struggled for game time with Manchester City all season, just as Maddison has been out of form since returning from injury at Spurs.

This is a bold changing of the guard from Southgate, who has relied heavily on Maguire, Henderson, Sterling and Rashford throughout his tenure, while Grealish and Maddison are both popular flair players who fully expected to make the 26-man squad for Germany. .

Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, Liverpool duo of Curtis Jones and Jarrell Quansah and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite make up Southgate’s seven-man squad with Grealish, Maddison and Maguire.