Football News: Southgate Faces Tough Decisions Ahead of Euro 2024
As the 2024 UEFA European Championship approaches, England manager Gareth Southgate has been given a further incentive to guide the Three Lions to glory. With the tournament just around the corner, Southgate will have another opportunity to end England’s 58-year trophy drought.
However, Southgate’s recent decisions have already sparked controversy, particularly his surprising omission of Manchester City’s Jack Grealish from the final 26-man squad. Grealish, who was a firm fixture in the England camp at both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2020, has been left out despite his impressive performances on the international stage.
“Jack Grealish – I think that’s ridiculous,” Agbonlahor said. “Southgate will get the wrath of me if we don’t win this. Jack is that player who brings something different.”
Grealish’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, as the 28-year-old has played a significant role in England’s recent major tournament campaigns. He scored in the group stages of the 2022 World Cup and contributed in the build-up to both goals in their Round of 16 triumph over Germany at Euro 2020.
However, Grealish’s limited playing time with Manchester City this season, coupled with the impressive performances of Phil Foden and Anthony Gordon, may have played a role in Southgate’s decision. Gordon, in particular, has been a revelation, making his England debut in March 2024 ahead of his first major tournament appearance.
As England prepare to face Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener on Sunday, June 16th, live on talkSPORT, Southgate will undoubtedly face more tough decisions. The pressure will be on the England boss to guide the team to success, and his handling of the Grealish situation has already raised questions about his decision-making process.
For England’s sake, Southgate will hope that the most fatal decision was not the one he made before the tournament had even begun.
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