Revealed: Southgate’s gamers ‘shocked’ by his name to axe Grealish

Jack Grealish‘ omission from Gareth Southgate‘s 26-man Euro 2024 squad was reportedly so shocking that one senior member of the team approached the England manager to understand his reasoning. 

There had been rumours Grealish would not make the cut along with Harry Maguire, who Mail Sport also predicted would miss out due to a calf injury.

Southgate has now confirmed the Manchester City star will not be on the flight to Germany as he seemingly pays the price for a disappointing campaign with the Premier League winners.

However, the decision to drop the 28-year-old winger has provided a mixed reaction from fans on social media. And, according to The Telegraph, there was even some dismay among the England camp. 

The outlet report that one player spoke to Southgate in the immediate aftermath to try to understand the call and help explain it to team-mates. Others are said to have rallied around the 28-year-old.

Jack Grealish (middle) was one of the seven players who missed out on a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad

His omission from the final England squad is reported to have prompted a senior player to question Gareth Southgate on his decision

The England manager decided against taking the winger to Germany after a disappointing domestic season at Manchester City

They go on to claim that Grealish was ‘stunned and upset’, though there is no suggestion the decision sparked argument or confrontation. 

Mindful of his place being at risk, Grealish had cut short his holiday in order to boost his chances of making it to Germany. Man City and Man United players were not due to report until the start of this week following their participation in the FA Cup final on May 25. 

Grealish, however, decided to join the group at their Darlington training camp at the earliest possible opportunity. 

His show of commitment as well as a productive substitute performance against Bosnia on Monday, reportedly raised hopes that he would be included in the final roster.

The Telegraph claim that ‘shocked players visited Grealish’s room after hearing that he would be going home with some telling him that he should have been in the squad.’

They state that his exit was handled ‘professionally’ and he wished the remaining squad and staff well ahead of the tournament. 

The upset was shared among many fans and commentators on social media. Football writer and content creator Umir said: ‘Grealish omission, for his profile and what he offers in certain knockout game game states is crazy to me.

‘Know he’s not been in the best of form league-wise but his ability to bring the ball upfield and win fouls as an outlet, top Top retention in high poss side v blocks too.’

Another upset fan, Rebekka, wrote: ‘Jack Grealish cut from England?! That’s insane.’

One X user pointed out Grealish’s ability to finish a game in the final few minutes, saying he is one of the best at keeping the ball and seeing the game out.

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 to boost his chances of making the final 26-man roster

They wrote: ‘If England are 1-0 up in the quarters/semis with 25 min to go, Southgate isn’t the type of manager to try and get a second. He’d rather keep the ball and see the game out, taking zero risks. I don’t think there are many better at that in the England squad than Jack Grealish.’

Football and sports writer Amos Murphy said despite his form, Grealish deserved to go to the Euros based on 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 any other in the squad. As dazzling as Eze, Gordon and Bowen are, they’re game-changers, not game-winners. Slender lead with 20 to play in a KO game, it’s Grealish you want.

Along with Grealish and Maguire, James Maddison, Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Trafford were the other names not to make the final cut.

Speaking on his decision to leave players out, Southgate insisted that the axed players’ recent club form had proven a deciding factor.

‘All of the players took the news really respectfully,’ Southgate said. ‘All players believe they should be in.

‘We just feel other players have had stronger seasons, particularly in the last six months or so.

Southgate insisted that the axed players’ recent club form had proven to be a deciding factor

‘The attacking areas of the pitch, we’re blessed with options. They’ve been tough calls, they’re calls we’ve gone over and over with the staff.

‘We back our decisions but realise we could have gone a different route. Sad to have to deliver that news to them.’