Football News Update: Grealish’s Omission from England’s Euro 2024 Squad Shocks Walker
In a surprising move, Manchester City’s Kyle Walker has expressed his shock over Jack Grealish’s exclusion from Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament. The 28-year-old winger, who was a key player for the Three Lions during the Euro 2020 and 2022 World Cup campaigns, was a high-profile absentee from Southgate’s final selection.
Despite helping Manchester City secure a third consecutive Premier League title, Grealish saw his game time limited at the Etihad, with Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Jeremy Doku preferred in the starting lineup. The former Aston Villa captain managed just 20 top-flight appearances, contributing three goals and one assist.
“Shocked because I know what Jack can do. Was I shocked because of the players that he’s [Southgate] brought in? No. Because I think they’re all at a great quality and they’ve all had fantastic seasons.”
Speaking to ITV ahead of England’s clash with Serbia, which will be live on talkSPORT, Walker acknowledged his surprise at Southgate’s decision. The City defender conceded that Grealish himself may have admitted to having a less than stellar campaign, saying, “I think Jack would be the first one to say he could have had a better season.” However, the defender questioned whether Southgate’s decision was based solely on form or a broader assessment of the squad.
Meanwhile, former Aston Villa teammate Gabby Agbonlahor has warned Southgate that he will face Agbonlahor’s “wrath” if Grealish’s omission comes back to haunt England. Agbonlahor believes Grealish’s unique skillset could be valuable off the bench, stating, “If there’s 20 minutes and you need a goal? He’s someone to come in little pockets. If you’ve got 20 minutes to hold on, who’s the best at winning fouls and stopping the play? Getting the ball and running the length of the pitch?”
As the build-up to the Euro 2024 tournament continues, the debate around Grealish’s exclusion from the England squad is sure to intensify, with both fans and former players questioning Southgate’s decision.
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