‘You’re here on merit’: Kyle Walker not shocked by Grealish’s England absence | Euro 2024

Kyle Walker believes Jack Grealish did not deserve to be selected for England’s Euro 2024 squad on merit.

Gareth Southgate’s exclusion of Grealish was the most high-profile and controversial of his selection decisions. But Walker, who was named England vice-captain for the tournament and plays with Grealish at Manchester City, backed Southgate to prefer those who have had better seasons.

While Grealish has struggled to regain the form he showed during City’s treble-winning campaign in 2022-23, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen and Eberechi Eze have excelled.

“Was I shocked when Jack was left out? Shocked because I know what Jack can do. Was I shocked because of the players he (Southgate) signed? No, because I think they’re all great quality and they’ve all had fantastic seasons,” Walker said in an interview with ITV Sport.

“I think Jack would be the first to say he could have had a better season. I think he said publicly that he could have had a better season. So, what does a manager base himself on? Form or people he knows had good tournaments or a good season the previous season?

“You are here on merit. And I think it should always be like that. You’re in this team because you played well for your club, which then puts you in the England fold.